Violin Lessons in Retsil, WA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My lesson structure is very flexible and has plenty of room for input from the student. My job as your teacher will be to give you technique building excercises and songs that will sharpen the fundamentals of playing your instrument. There are 3 parts to a lesson that I always like to touch on. 1) technique and warmups, 2) assigned material designed to be the stepping stones to your personal goals. 3) something that the student has picked out or has special interest in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For younger students who are beginning, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. This book has great materials for setting up the violin and bow hold, reading notes, rhythm and other musical markings, and introducing basic music theory such as time and key signatures. Also, this book incorporates the foundation of all musical learning, scales and arpeggios, into fun exercises that are enjoyable for every student.For older students who have more experience, I have a range of etudes from Sevcik to Kreutzer that can futher develop and solidify a good foundation of technique.For musical training, I use solo repertoire from Suzuki and other sources that are appropriate for each student's level so that he/she can be healthily challenged musically and technically while feeling accomplished during performances. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Essential Elements method book, which introduces the fundamentals in a way that is friendly to all learners, easy to understand, and interesting. Once the students has an understanding of the fundamentals, we will typically move on to Suzuki Book One, supplemented with various other exercises. At this stage, the student is able to give their first recital performance. For intermediate or more experienced students, I will typically find out what the student is interested in and provide solo repertoire based on their interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am not Suzuki certified but I utilize the early Suzuki violin books for repertoire; that being said, I always take the requests of students into account meaning it is important to me that students are learning music they are excited about learning. For beginners who are new to music as a whole, I employ volumes 1 and 2 of "I Can Read Music" to get students learning both pitch and rhythm in easy, digestible, sections. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

In addition to lesson and scale books I like to heavily supplement technical material, finger strengthening exercises, repertoire appropriate to playing level, and theory. I also send students home with listening homework from time to time, which includes listening to works from famous composers on youtube and then having a brief conversation about those pieces at the start of our next lesson. I believe understanding the scope of an instrument from more than just the technical aspect of it really enhances the learning experience and makes students value the techniques they are learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Mandolin Recorder Electric Violin Fiddle

I try to teach to the personality, strengths, and needs of each individual student: one size does not fit all when it comes to playing instruments! I stress correct posture and technique as a means to an end, which is the ability to progress and enjoy playing. I have taught many students over a period of years--often between 7 and 10+ years. I try to teach in a progressive way with an end goal in mind, whilekeeping them motivated and engaged andcreating opportunities to perform, succeed, and have fun along the way. Read More