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Violin Lessons With Zoë

Violin Lessons With Zoë

New
Offers online services
New
Offers online services

About

Hi, I'm Zoe! I am a Bay Area-based professional orchestral violinist with over a decade in teaching experience, two decades of orchestra and chamber music experience, and three decades of music-making under my belt!

Prior to moving to the Bay, I was a fellow with Michael Tilson Thomas's New World Symphony in Miami Beach, FL, a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Civic Orchestra, and first violinist in a piano quintet for Lincoln Center Stage. I earned my master's degree in violin performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and my bachelor's degree in violin performance and French, from UCLA.

I love to teach students of all ages, so whether it's your first time picking up the violin, or you learned it as a child and want to start it again, I will work with you to help you grow not just as a violinist, but as a holistic musician.

I am a warm and patient teacher, and I tune into the pace that works for you. I want lessons to be fun, and practicing to be exciting, not a chore!

While I teach primarily classical-style playing, I'm open to teaching whatever music it is you would like to learn. I'm also open to both in-person and remote lessons, so just let me know your preference.

Looking forward to chatting more! Please visit my teaching page for more info:

https://antique-whistle-561.notion.site/Zo-Merrill-dcce4f4611b8405e9ca84b5d829ec1cf

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Highlights

Hired 2 times
1 employee
9 years in business
Serves Berkeley , CA
Offers online services

Payment methods

Credit Card, Venmo, Square

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    Frequently asked questions

    An initial consultation where we discuss background, current level, and long-term goals. Depending on experience, I might ask the student to play something for me, and we begin the process of discovery from there!
    I have worked professionally as a musician since the age of 8, as a studio/session singer in Los Angeles, and professionally as a violinist, from the age of 18. I earned my master's degree in music (MM) from the Eastman School of Music, and my bachelor's degree in music (BA) from UCLA. I was a fellow with the New World Symphony for 2.5 years, a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and first violinist in a piano quintet through Lincoln Center. I have taught private lessons for over a decade, and worked as a group instructor and coach through the Miami Music Project, and MusicLab organizations, along with organizing and producing educational concerts for children. I currently teach through the California Symphony's Sound Minds program, as well as for the San Ramon Academy of Music, in addition to running my own private studio.

    30-minute lesson

    Online: $45

    At your home: $60

    45-minute lesson

    Online: $60

    At your home: $75

    60-minute lesson

    Online: $80

    At your home: $90

    I got my start teaching when I realized that I didn't just want to spend all day in a practice room, or only performing; when I recognized that I had so much information to pass along, from all my years studying with amazing teachers.
    I've worked with kids holding 1/4 size violins, to adults picking up their instruments after 50 years apart!
    When my students connect the dots between what we've talked about in lessons and what they can do with their instruments, that is just the coolest thing to see happen!
    Recognize that the violin is a challenging instrument to learn, and it takes time and patience; learning the violin will not happen overnight. With that in mind, hire somebody you feel you can trust. Opening yourself up to learning is vulnerable and brave, so make sure you feel comfortable with your teacher.
    1. What are my long-term goals? 2. How much time, energy, and focus am I willing to put into achieving these goals? 3. Can I reach these goals on the violin, or on another instrument? 4. What is it about the violin that makes me want to play it? 5. Am I okay with making mistakes, as part of the learning and growing process? If you can answer these questions – or work through them with your kids – you'll already be leaps and bounds ahead of many of the other people out there learning to play the violin!

    Services offered

    Violin