Kristin Allen-Benes Studio
About
I am knowledgable string pedagogue with years of experience with orchestral instruments. I am eager to share tips and tricks to help remedy common playing issues to help players feel more confident. I am easy going, but also focused on student growth.
Highlights
Payment methods
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After speaking with the student briefly I first focus beginners on how to properly set up their violin and how to hold it, from rest position into playing position. We then go on to explore playing different strings, shaping our left playing hand to create new notes, how to use our right hand, and reinforce good playing habits along the way. My goal for new students is to understand the foundation of how to operate their instrument before learning music. I recommend music books and repertoire based on student experience, but this comes after mastering the basics. From here, I guide lessons based on student goals, needs, and focus to maximize learning notated and rote music.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a classically trained violist and string instrument enthusiast, raised in the Chicagoland area. I graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors degree in viola performance, and I obtained my California single subject music teaching credential from California State University, East Bay in 2021. I play and teach violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, ukulele, and piano, and have maintained a private studio based in the north county area of San Diego.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My basic pricing system is as follows (as of February 2022):
In-person & Online
30 min - $50
45 min - $65
60 min - $80
Merit scholarships and multiple student family discounts available. Please inquire for these adjusted rates.
How did you get started teaching?
I taught sporatically throughout college and as an au pair living abroad, but I really began my teaching career when I moved to San Diego in 2017. I found myself joining in a few local orchestras to continue playing music, which led to being referred for performance and teaching job opportunities. I accepted an orchestra teacher position at a local elementary and middle school in 2018. From this school, I was able to take on a few private students to teach in the later part of my day. From there on, I worked as a music teacher in public schools, obtained my California teaching credential, actively performed across southern California, and steadily grew my private studio throughout the years. Within this last year I have transitioned to working solely as a private music teacher in the north county area of San Diego.