playviolinmusic.com

My Goals

1. To cultivate in the student a love for their instrument.
2. To give the student the tools they need to achieve their goals.
3. To make the student the best player they can be.

My Teaching Method

I do not teach any pre-organized method. I use some of the method teaching books available (i.e. Suzuki) but my teaching style is catered toward your individual student. I try to pick material that will help them develop their weaknesses as well as highlight their strengths. My goal is to pick repertoire that they enjoy and music that also challenges them and builds them as musicians.

My Fees & Teaching Info

I primarily teach out of my home, and recommend 1/2-hour lessons for children 7 and younger, and hour lessons for students 8 and above. I charge $25 for 1/2-hour lessons, and $42 for an hour lesson. If you are interested in more information about my teaching, feel free to contact me by email or phone. (You can find my information on my Contact Me page.)

Viola Lessons

Although I am primarily a violinst, I do give beginning and intermediate viola lessons. If you are interested in these, please feel free to contact me.

Fees are the same as above.

Note to School Teachers

If you are a school music teacher and are looking for someone to come in and run sectional rehearsals or something similar, please contact me and I would be happy to see about the possibility of coming to your school. Please also feel free to pass along my name and contact information to any of your students who are interested in lessons.

1. Music lessons are essential to playing an instrument well.

• The ability to play an instrument cannot be self-taught.
• Students gain direct access to their problems and solutions to those problems through one-on-one instruction.
• A private instructor will be able to teach students how to practice correctly and be most productive in their practicing.
• Lessons help stop and correct bad habits early on before they become big problems.
• A private instructor can give students the skills they need to enjoy music into adulthood.

2. School instruction is not enough.

• Due to time restraints students often receive little to no one-on-one time with music faculty.
• Students need one-on-one time to continue building on the good techniques that are initially taught in school.
• The amount of group time students receive through orchestra is not enough to learn an instrument.
• It is best to start lessons earlier (age 4+) than when schools make it available.
• Music faculty in schools often do not have the time to make sure students often learn good practice habits and efficient use of practice time.
• Without one-on-one attention students are prone to had habits which take twice as long to correct.
• Schools alone cannot prepare students to study music as a career.

3. Private lessons help foster success in other areas of life.

• Becoming skilled at an instrument gives students confidence and a sense of accomplishment in life.
• Studies have shown a links between music and a student performance in various areas:
  • Music students have higher test scores
  • Music promoting creativity
  • Music aids in student's success in other fields of study
  • Music promotes self-sufficiency as an adult
  • Music students have decreased disciplinary problems
  • Music aids in giving students problem solving techniques
• Music gives students the ability to express their emotions in a healthy way.
• Studies show that the ability to perform complex rhythms allow students to make faster and more precise corrections in many academic and physical situations.
• Lesson and opportunities to perform teach students to conquer fear.

1. I teach students of all ages and ability levels.

Many teachers with post-graduate degrees only teach more advanced students. Because I teach students of all ages and ability levels younger students receive excellent instruction from the start and the opportunity to continue lessons all the way through advanced playing. More advanced students have access to a wealth of experience and knowledge about the field of music.

2. I can take the "less than perfect" player wherever they want to go in music.

As a "less than perfect" player who had to be disciplined and work hard to correct bad habits and learn new techniques I enjoy working with the mediocre player to help them achieve goals they never thought possible.

3. Lessons are catered to each individual student's needs.

I believe each student comes to me with different experiences and goals and therefore requires a unique plan to foster their growth as a musician. While there are certain techniques and requirements to play the violin or viola well these skills can be learned a variety of ways suing numerous musical styles. I like to learn what makes each student excited about music and use this to keep them engaged in learning.

4. I provide opportunities for my students to interact, perform and learn from their peers.

I periodically set up "master classes" in my home where students have the opportunity to play for one another. Each student receives praise and criticism on their performance. Through this experience students have said they appreciate the opportunity to play for their peers and receive advice from other students. They also gain the skill of listening to a performance and critiquing it so that they are better able to positively and negatively critique their own playing and practice.

5. My goal as a teacher is to give students the tools they need to teach themselves.

I had a teacher who said that his job was to make him self obsolete. If I am not giving my students the skills they need to eventually be independent, self-sufficient artists than I am not doing my job. Just as parents raise their children to become independent adults, so I want to "raise" my students to become independent musicians.

6. In addition to teaching I am also an active performer.

While some teachers never play beyond the four walls of their studio, I am an active performer outside my studio. This gives me first hand experience dealing with nerves, different performance venues, preparing a piece for performance, and gives me familiarity with the ever changing field of music in general. I enjoy playing both as a soloist and in ensembles. I am a member of Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and play in the Williams Duo with my husband, as well as performing in church and occasional other venues. Please see my performances page for a list of my upcoming performances and check back often as this page is updated frequently.

It's never too late to start learning the violin or viola! Whether you gave it up after finishing school and want to get back into playing, or recently developed the desire to learn to play I would encourage you to take lessons. Here are some things for you to consider as an adult:

• Don't be discouraged! If you have patience and the will to learn you will get there!
• Learning as an adult is harder than for children, so don't expect to necessarily keep up with your 5 year old. (Although, Mommy and Daddy learning with their child is a great motivator for kids!)
• Let me know why you want to play and what music you aspire to learn. Don't think you can't play the music you want to because you have to "learn how to play first." Here are some things I've had as requests in the past…
  • Gospel/religious music
  • Popular classical pieces (like you might hear at weddings)
  • Fiddle tunes
  • Christmas or other holiday music
  • …let me know of other requests!

A note about practicing:

Just as with anything, the more you practice the better you'll be. Set aside a duration of time and a quiet place, and look at practicing as time alone for yourself. You'll be more likely to feel relaxed and be productive if you aren't distracted by kids (or your spouse) or worried about "putting in your time." Don't look at practicing as a necessary evil to get to the point where you can play. Music is a continual learning process and a journey you will be on for as long as you decide to play. I've been playing for 20+ years and am still learning and practicing! See this as the beginning of a journey, every minute of which you are gaining skills and a greater love and appreciation for your instrument and music!