About
August 2022 Update: Now accepting new students!
Currently offering a free 10 minute Zoom Meet & Greet to answer questions prior to booking lessons, test our audio/video call connection, and hear you play in order to assess your current level! Beginners with no experience or instrument yet are welcome. Message me for more details on scheduling a Meet and Greet.
Note: Before booking any lessons, message me to double check my availability for the date/times you would like to reserve a lesson. Trust me on this one. It will eliminate any potential confusion or conflicts in the case I haven't updated the Lessonface schedule recently (I try my best, but sometimes last minute performances or makeup lessons pop up!). Sometimes a student has already reserved a regular lesson date/time and it doesn't show on the calendar because they haven't booked that far in advance.
Introduction:
Why, hello there! Whether you're beginning your journey as a violinist/violist, learning a favorite song, or prepping for an audition, I am excited to teach you not only technical fundamentals, but lifelong musicianship skills that will transfer across all genres/styles of music. I've worked with beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, ranging from many ages, backgrounds, and goals. As a teacher, my goal is to give you the confidence to succeed and achieve yours!
I have been teaching online music lessons/classes for over 8 years, and have played styles of music with eclectic ensembles ranging from classical, Mariachi, hip hop, rock/metal, folk, and pop. My primary instrument in the violin, although I also have experience playing and teaching the viola. I love to build on my students' strengths, and overcome their challenges through strengthening musicianship skills. As an initially self taught violinist when I was younger, I have made every mistake in the book, but I now can use this to our advantage to help you overcome your own challenges. I believe that anyone (yes, especially you!) can become a great musician with practice, enthusiasm, curiosity, and a great teacher.
I can be fairly flexible with scheduling and availability, but open communication is key - a life lesson I have learned is, never assume. :-) Looking forward to working with you soon!
My teaching style is student centered, and adaptable to any student's learning style. Every student has such different experiences and strengths, and I adjust my instruction to fit what will most benefit you. There is never just one solution to different problems, and I am always determined to find the one that works for you! When it comes to mistakes, I strive to establish a non-judgemental learning environment in which mistakes are simply forms of information/feedback, and we use that information to fix any issues you may be having with technique.
Most importantly, I have always centered my instruction around bringing out the natural strengths of my students, in addition to working with areas needing improvement.
Bachelor's in Music Education, Instrumental Concentration, UNCG '19 Active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA)
My students always bring such a diverse array of music that they want to learn to play and background experiences, so the best thing for us to get started is for you to tell me about your goals! That way, I can select the best music books that will benefit you. In addition, I am happy to arrange for you music outside of classical/standard violin music. I have arranged music from different cultures and styles for violin, modified specifically to match the level of my students.
I have used the following method books/pedagogies in the past:
Suzuki, Rolland, Sound Innovations, Strictly Strings, Essential Elements, Kreutzer, Mazas, Wohlfahrt, Flesch, Schradieck, Sevcik, and Fiorillo.