Violin Lessons in Raccoon Ford, VA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching methods depend on the age and ability of the student. From younger students and beginners to older or more advanced students. For violin, I use my own tailored curriculum. I teaches basic scales, essential techniques to all levels, and various pieces of music depending on the studentxe2x80x99s needs. I use Suzuki, Kayser, Hohmann, the Third Position, etc. and various concertos for advanced students. For piano, I use Alfred Piano course for beginners, and then use Hanon, Sonatine, and other piano pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Double Bass Mallet Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I started out at the age of nine playing the trumpet, and continued this for two years before switching to piano. Ultimately, I found my love in playing the guitar, and took lessons for two years. As time went on, I advanced as a guitarist and actually expanded into new musical instruments. I began playing in local rock and r&b bands at the age of 15. These were some of my most influential experiences, as they expanded my musical tastes into jazz fusion, swing, standards and Latin Jazz. After graduating high school, I attended community college and then went to New York to study jazz theory, where I played a few sets with Sweetback in 2000 that led up to being asked to play with the band. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days in Toronto, where I started teaching privately. I started teaching part-time about 5 years ago, and have been consistently teaching since. I am fortunate that I get to work with a lot of young kids, and get to introduce them to the world of music and help them develop their passion early on. Teaching is a great source of energy for me. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I will introduce solo repertoire suited for his or her first recital performance. I introduce etudes to the students after the student demonstrates the ability to play several simple pieces well. For intermediate and advanced students, I typically do not let them play a piece at a certain grade level until they have finished playing one piece one grade level below that. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Teaching and performing violin are two of my most favorite ways to occupy my time, only after spending time with and taking care of my family. I stand firmly behind my belief that the best teachers are performers as well. Not only do I have two perfromance degrees, Suzuki training, and 8 years of teaching experience, but I have been a professional performer and gig musician for the past 10 years. My own teachers always inspired me with their high levels of playing and music as a profession expertise. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

I choose to work step by step. Not to force them or pressure them on anything. As I mentioned above, having this balance between having fun, enyoing and learning how to be responsible and dedicated, is healthy and efficient! Important is to understand that to learn an instrument, you also need to practice, at least 30 min per day and not just only wanting to have the lesson, because the progress will be very minimal and slow, and the learning process will become very boring. Read More