Ivan Dantas - Violinist And Composer

Ivan Dantas - Violinist And Composer

5.0(2 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

About

--- At this moment I'm not taking new students in Los Angeles, I'm only accepting Skype students due to a job position in Brazil that forces me to travel often. Music theory and violin lessons work great on skype and it cost less, since the teacher does not have to travel to your house.---

--They are not good only for someone who is completely new to the violin, since in the very beginning it is fundamental to be able to correct posture. If that's your case I can recomend a good violin teacher in the Los Angeles area. ---

I was seven years old when I had my first contact with the violin. A violin teacher, who was offering lessons after school time, played on my class and I was mesmerized by the instrument at that exact moment! It is an honor to be able to share my passion for the violin with my students. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a children's smile after they learn to play their first song on the violin.

I have a masters in violin performance from Cal State Northridge. I have been teaching for 9 years, both beginners and advanced students from around 4 years old to adults. I have taught privately and at Orange County School of Music. I also participated in a social project in Brazil that teaches low-income children to play string instruments for free. I have played in different orchestras with important conductors such as Marin Alsop (Baltimore Symphony) and Eiji Oue (Minnesotta Symphony). Currently I play at the San Fernando Valley Orchestra, Hollywood Light Orchestra, CSUN Symphony, the Beverly Hills Philharmonic, and on chamber music and studio recordings. Some of my carreer's highlight include a sold out concert with Serj Tankian (from System of a Down), recording for Marina Mello's debut album Soft Apocalipse (which was praised as one of the best independent albums of 2016 in Brazil), and participating on the Campos de Jordão Festival - the most important Classical Music festival in Latin America.

My teaching philosophy is guided by two principles in which I strongly believe. The first one is that any person, regardless of age or talent, is able to learn to play the violin and achieve a high level - as long as they make a real commitment and are dedicated towards it! Talent is a polemic topic among music educators and pedagogues, I will not deny the fact that some people show a pre-disposition and learn things incredibly fast from a very young age, however to be successful even theses talented individuals have to put on a lot of dedication to achieve their full potential. Albert Einstein is many times credited to have said, "Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work". Regarding age, there are many adult beginners that after studying for a few years now play professionally or as amateurs in bands, regional orchestras, churches, and - most importantly - truly enjoy and are happy to play their instrument.

The second principle is that there are no general recipes that will work to all students. Each one is an individual, with particular goals and needs; things that are easy for one might be hard for others and vice-versa. That's why I believe in a tailored and individualized approach to each student so that they can always develop in their personal best.


Highlights

Hired 3 times
Serves Los Angeles , CA
Offers online services

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Reviews

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LH

Laura H.

I couldnt be happier with Ivan as a teacher. I used to play the violin in high school, now after 10 year I decided to pick it up again. We have been working to fix my posture and technique - but at the same time he was able to teach me many songs that I wanted to learn. Each lesson we begin with exercises and technical stuff, but then he helps me with learning pop songs and some old time fiddle tunes!
Ivan is definitely very dedicated to his students and has an individualized approach for each one of them!
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March 01, 2017

ER

Ellie R.

If you are looking for a violin teacher in the San Fernando Valley area, look no further. Ivan is an amazing teacher and a great musician. Im an adult beginner and started to take lessons with him only six months ago, after trying two other teachers. He is very patient and truly interested in the students development, he often teaches for more than one hour just so we can finish what we are working on. He was also able to teach songs in different styles upon my request. Im impressed with the progress I have made in six months, I couldnt recommend him enough!
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January 28, 2017

Frequently asked questions

California State University, Northridge - Master of Music in Violin Performance, with distinction


University of Georgia

Sao Paulo State University - B. of Mus. in Composition

Sao Paulo State Conservatory - Certificate in Violin Performance

Pedagogy for Strings - Sao Paulo State University (1 year course)

I charge 40$ per one hour skype lesson.

I charge 70$ per one hour lesson at my studio in Northridge, however I'm only accepting Skype students due to a job position in Brazil that forces me to travel often.

During my undergrad I had the opportunity to participate in a social project connected to my University teaching the violin to children from six to fourteen years old, from underprivileged neighbourhoods in the city of São Paulo. This experience taught me how valuable music education is to everyone, since it teaches the students about collaborating with each other, helps shaping the individualities of each children, and teaches them how to focus, which is helpful for other disciplines in school. I worked in this project from 2012 to 2014, and in 2015 (when I had already graduated) as a volunteer

From beginner adults to children above 8 years old. I also have taught advanced students who were accepted into youth orchestras and respected music schools.

Find someone that is truly commited to teaching and understands each student as an individual with particular needs. Unfortunately, far too many teachers use the same formula for all their students because it is easier for them to teach this way.

Their goals with lessons, both short and long term. How much time will you have to dedicate to music?


Services offered

Violin
Music Theory