Violin Lessons in Stillwater, MN

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 began teaching private lessons in 1989. My focus is to understand what learning style my students have and base my teaching methods on their individual needs. In college I studied pedagogies (teaching methods) for band, orchestra and majored in vocal and classroom education. Since achieving my degree in teaching kindergarten through 12th grade education, I have worked in Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and High School settings as well with the elderly. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Ever since I met the great string teacher George Neikrug, I've been inspired to share all his knowledge about Dounis (the world's greatest string teacher). This information is the most exciting way to learn cello, violin, or viola. It's all about using your "native instincts" instead of conditioned reflexes. All the knowledge given me by this great teacher, plus the experience of playing concerts in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and around the world with the world's best artists is mygreat joy to pass on. 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 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

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: Violin Viola

I have been playing violin and viola for over fifteen years, and over the course of that time I have studied piano and theory as well. My piano background has helped immensely in teaching strings, and I highly recommend piano experience for any musician, though I don't require it. I have been teaching for over three years and have greatly enjoyed sharing my passion with students. A consistent practice schedule and help from parents is essential to the success of any musician, especially young musicians, and I highly encourage this. Read More