Violin Lessons Dakota County, MN

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Fiddle, Keyboard

My musical life has been extraordinary. Born in Mpls. MN, I attended the Aspen Musical Festival before my departure to Vienna Austria for Master studies in Violin/viola and piano. Scholarship intended for one year ended up a 25 year tenure, teaching, performing in Vienna and raising a family. I returned to the US to become executive director of a music school in MN. I was able to start new after school music programs for elementary schools throughout the district, start an orchestra program and open a theater program for kids. 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, 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

Piano: I prefer Faber Piano Adventures, but I can be flexible if the student is in the middle of another series already. I have also taught the young beginner series by Faber. Strings: I use a traditional approach, but I am not tied to any particular method book. I can supplement whatever is being taught in school or the lessons can stand on their own. I have taught anywhere from Kindergarten to adult ages. Read More

Instruments: Violin, Viola

I use a variety of books for teaching, and prefer to not use just one. It is essential for students to study scales and arpeggios, so a scale book, typically the Flesch Scale book is required. Other books I use are -Suzuki -Solos for Young Violinists/Violists -For Strings (Though I use Suzuki books, I do NOT teach the Suzuki method. I strong emphasize music reading literacy, and this requires the ability to understand by reading, and not by hearing alone). Read More