About
I'm passionate about cultivating a learning environment that supports, challenges, and stimulates creativity. I love working with people ages 7 and up (adults welcome!) catering lessons to the individual needs of each student, and helping students set and achieve goals all while enjoying the music-making process. I believe that learning music can push your mind to new and different places, create a unique opportunity for expression, and provide a greater connection to yourself and others.
I am not only classically trained through a Master's degree with a decade of teaching experience, I am also a songwriter and have played a lot of different genres in bands over the years. I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from Arizona State University and a Master in Music from The University of Texas in Austin. I cut my teeth on improvisation and part-writing in the Austin scene after graduate school and started writing my own songs six years ago for my band, Dirt Skirt. I teach improvisation and am very open to helping students learn songs in genres outside of classical if that is what interests you.
-For 30-minute weekly lessons, I charge a flat rate of $260 per month
-For 45-minute weekly lessons, I charge a flat rate of $320 per month
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Every new student is a learning process. If a student has played before and is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play me something they have worked on so that I can gauge their technical abilities and see what needs work as well as what they are doing well. From there I choose music to work on that will suit their level but challenge them. I believe in pushing students but not giving them music that is beyond their ability since that creates endless frustration. If the student is a total beginner, I will teach them how to hold the violin and pluck. They will learn a couple of beginner plucking songs, then I teach the bowhold and start either Suzuki Book 1 or Essentials. I teach partially by ear and incorporate note-reading as we go.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's in Music from Arizona State University, a Master's in Music from The University of Texas in Austin, and I am certified in Suzuki Book 1.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge a flat monthly fee and teach 17 lessons over the course of each semester. In the summer I teach 8.
For 30-minute weekly lessons: $260 per month
For 45-minute weekly lessons: $320 per month
For 60-minute weekly lessons: $380 per month
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching after I finished my graduate degree. I discovered I had a passion for education, did my teacher training, and then began offering private lessons. I've taught for non-profits, music studios, and myself.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with many different kinds of students. I've taught people from ages as young as six to people in their sixties. I've worked with people with a huge range of abilities from total beginners who have never touched a violin before and have no musical experience to very advanced players.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I think it is so important to feel that they can help you, that the learning environment is one where you feel comfortable (i.e. judgement-free), and that you like their personality. It's also important to note that it can take a few months to really gauge whether a teacher is right for you. Unless you have an immediate negative reaction, for example, you will likely need to try lessons with a new teacher for a few months before deciding if it's the right fit. This is a relationship and it will develop with time as teacher and student get to know one another.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals?
What sort of music would you like to play? Any specific songs?
If you have had other violin teachers, what did they do that worked for you? What didn't work for you?