Witmer Studios
1 employee
18 years in business
About this pro
Violin and Viola lessons in your home from a working professional with over 135 gigs a year and a full studio of students of all ages. I have studied with the Boston Symphony and the LA Philharmonic.
Performing! I can bring joy to the audiences of the world and I feel a great sense of accomplishment by doing so.
I also love taking a student who knows nothing about music and hearing them play me a song. I feel great when they feel a sense of accomplishment, that practicing has paid off!
Read more about this pro
Credentials
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Email verified
Phone verified
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I contacted Matthew Witmer for viola lessons on the recommendation of listings for instructors in LA. When I met Matthew, although I had played keyboards and could read music, I had never played a string instrument. From the very start, Matthew was very patient. He also was very clear in giving directions. He's encouraging, and he's really good with people. I recommend him most highly!
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I really enjoy my classes with Mathew. He’s friendly with a good sense of humor and provides focused, structured classes and clear guidance. I started violin classes as an adult with no music background and found Matthew to be a caring and patient teacher offering all the encouragement I needed. He’s an accomplished professional musician who I have heard play in concert solos. He knows and loves the viola and violin and clearly has a deep appreciation for music. I highly recommend him as a teacher.
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As an adult with full-time work, I found it so easy to coordinate a schedule with Matthew. He arrived to my home promptly and always came with a clear idea of what to accomplish for our lesson time. He is both direct and supportive, and he makes learning fun and interesting. Bonus—he has lots of great connections and opportunities to expand musical horizons, from Bach concerts at Union Station to community orchestras. I highly recommend him!
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Matthew’s an excellent teacher! Very consistent and challenging. I’m finally at a place where I can say I play the violin, not just learning.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
proper bow hold and finger technique and learn key signatures and simple songs
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a professional! I study with and play with the best people on earth!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$70 an hour introductory rate
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching viola when I attended the Boston conservatory in 1995.
I taught myself the violin in 2008 and have been teaching violin for over 10 ten years.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages all skill levels
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Yo-Yo Ma called me and asked me to do the arrangements and perform a solo recital with him
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You get what you pay for. Also don't forget the other expenses involved with this, i.e. learning materials, instrument, bow, maintenance, lessons price raise until graduation,etc. It's a commitment.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are you wiling to practice several hours a week?