Violin Lessons in Prior Lake, MN

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

THE DOUNIS METHOD - The secret of being a truly great string player is to make the instrument an extension of the body not vice versa. This is accomplished by using your native instincts which are strongest when you are a child, but can be rediscovered later. When all technique is based on these instinctive movements then the expression is released. Your creative potential is unlocked. This kind of playing conveys a natural musical authority because it is completely based on your own musical impulses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use generally use Faber and Faber for piano and the Yamaha method for guitar. However, each student learns differently therefore I like to meet and assess the needs before choosing a course to follow. For band students, I use the school's chosen method of instruction supplementing with theory, technique and performance pieces. For piano students, I get to know each student's taste in music and choose accordingly. I encourage my voice students to learn a varied repertoire of classical, folk songs, Broadway and pop if they desire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My name is Marissa, and I am a dedicated and passionate musician and teacher! I play the viola and violin, and graduated this past spring of 2017 from Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. This fall I will continue my education at the University of Minnesota for my Masters of Music in Viola Performance. Over the course of my college career, I have had the opportunity to perform as principal endowed violist in the Luther College Symphony Orchestra across the United States, as well as a residency in Vienna, Austria playing in venues like the world famous Konzert Haus. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginners, particularly children, I use the Suzuki method due to the emphasis on learning the instrument before learning how to read notes. I do this in part because, regardless of method, listening to experts play pieces that you are working on is a big part of string playing, and the Suzuki method has become standardized enough that the beginner and intermediate pieces have readily available recordings. Once a baseline of the instrument is established, I add outside repertoire and workbooks. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Fiddle Keyboard

My style of teaching is different for each student. After meeting the student, I suggest setting a goal, working towards that goal for 4 -6 weeks - after which an assessment is made by me to determine how best to continue. For the younger student I often demonstrate, or play with them. Encouraging recital participation, finding the right performance piece helps me determine what inspires the student, young or old. Negativity in lessons is not acceptable and never happens with me as your teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello

I try to strike a balance between music lessons being serious and being fun. I expect my students to practice almost every day and I expect that the parents will be part of keeping them accountable for scheduling that practicing. Lessons are a combination of learning technical skills and learning songs, which usually are mostly classical songs with a few contemporary songs thrown in for motivation. Read More