SFV Violin Lessons
About
I teach my students how to listen to themselves in order to get the most out of their practice time. When I listen to my students play, I am an objective listener and give them immediate feedback, often in the form of Q and A. I have found this method far superior to frequent demonstrating. I also like to ensure my students stay on track, with a definite set of plans for their work. I work with intermediate and more advanced students. I have studied with 8 former pupils (and assistants) of the legendary Jascha Heifetz, and also the legendary Ivan Galamian and D.C. Dounis. I am formerly employed by the Oregon Symphony, and started my teaching career in 2019. My primary musical interests include 20th century violin repertoire.
I like to see my students grow musically. It is most gratifying when I hear the results over a period of time.
Highlights
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is a free consultation of about 35 minutes wherein we decide if the working relationship will continue. The student will play anything that they have worked on recently, preferably their best piece(s). The teacher will give some idea of the way typical future lessons will proceed.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied with teachers who had a variety of teaching styles. Naturally, what works for one student does not work for another student always. So, the teacher must adapt their teaching to how the student learns. This is very, very important in classical music. I have cultivated a teaching method that works for students at an intermediate and advanced level.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$75.00 per hour for an online (Zoom) lesson.
$110.00 per hour for an in-person lesson (I travel up to approximately 10 miles to student's home.)
*Home lessons will resume after the pandemic concludes.
90 minute and 2 hour lessons are offered but generally I find that most students do well at 1 hour per week.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always enjoyed teaching and felt that I had something to offer my students, given my unique background as a musician.
What types of students have you worked with?
Intermediate and advanced violin students, mostly in high school and college. The youngest students I have worked with were early teens. Ages 12 upwards are my comfort level, as by this point, the student is usually mature enough to absorb a lot from my teaching.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent master class I heard where the teacher, from a Korean university, gave a lesson to a trio playing the Brahms B major piano trio. This was astounding, and eye-opening. The students were very advanced, and sounded like virtuosi already but the things she was telling them as she coached them were incredibly insightful. There is *always* room for improvement.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A student should be prepared to do most of their learning while they practice. Obviously, a teacher can only do so much. They can serve as a guide and positive influence, and certainly, they can impart knowledge to a student. However, the student should have an idea of what they are looking for in a teacher. For instance, are they looking for someone to guide them every step of the way? Are they looking for someone to give them objective feedback about their playing that will help them when they perform it later?
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. What they hope to achieve musically. Are they wanting to go to music school? Are they wanting to simply learn the violin for personal enjoyment?
2. The student should be willing to make a plan for their studies, just as happens in school. This plan can of course be changed, but is required for the student to progress.
3. Things that they would like to improve upon and things that they are looking for in a teacher.