About
My studio stands out by being successful since 1997, and I have been in business for 25+ years. I have been studying and performing violin for 50+ years, with a BA in violin performance. I welcome students of almost all ages and levels! Learning to play any of the styles of violin and fiddle, or viola is also a joy and is rewarding to a student. I truly believe music making is fun, and as Shinichi Suzuki believes that everyone can learn. I use Suzuki, Nicholas Laoureux, Mark O’Conner Method and other meaningful music learning philosophies and materials with my students. We practice practicing and teaching we learn about what performance is in community and studio recitals.
I am also a working free-lance artist, performing in all kinds of venues: assisted living facilities, churches, weddings, graduations, funerals, public events such as the Redlands Women ́s Club, Jewish Women ́s Club. I performed in the recent Almanac shows and in friend Gilman Carver ́s Christmas Concert.
I teach children (6 and up), teens and all adults.
I teach students preferences, mostly classical, fiddle (Bluegrass, irish, Celtic, Scottish, Cajun, Country etc.). I listen to the student and provide suggestions for special music. I provide instruction for all levels, and help the student study what is best for their goals.
I love creating beauty, and I enjoy seeing and experiencing a student ́s growth and ability to play the bowed string Instruments for their pleasure. There are no goals too small, nor too large for a student to entertain and work toward. Much of a student ́s growth happens one on one with the teacher in playing and I facilitate Play Parties (or Recitals) for them to experience solo and group music 🎼 Sometimes we play in assisted living settings or we play in weddings, public events, churches, etc.. I greatly enjoy performing in these venues, and I love touching people with my music. There is a real give and take when a musician plays publicly. It is really exciting and gratifying to share one ́s music with family, friends or fellow students.
Specialties
Student's age
Lesson length
Able to read music
Years experience
Student has instrument
Photos and videos
Reviews
Tess D.
Evelyn F.
Karen
James J.
Patricia B.
Miriam K.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After reaching my studio, I give an interview to the interested students by going over simple studio policies and and answering any questions a possible student has about taking lessons, and invite to studio events. Help them explore possible lessons which they are wanting, establish short term and long term goals. Provide students with student info and a practice chart where they can become aware of how much practice they are doing, to be rewarded with stickers, little rocks.to praise their progress and most of all to be growing in skills for playing their instrument.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
B. A. degree in Violin Performance June 1981 from Johnston College, at the University of Redlands, Redlands, CA
Certificate of Appreciation, Masonic Lodge 2001 for work in Yucaipa public schools
Principal 2nd Violin, San Bernardino Symphony 1977
Principal 2nd Violin, Redlands Community Orchestra 2012-14
First Violinist, Redlands Community Orchestra 2014-17
Concert Mistress, Woodrow Wilson HS, Long Beach 1979
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$30 per half hour lesson, 1 month $120
$40 per 45 minute lesson, 1 month $160
$50 per 60 minute lesson, 1 month $200
How did you get started teaching?
As a music major in college, Johnston College I began to explore what it was like to teach classmates and children at a local public school and found the experience very rewarding! In fact when I was 9 years I had the experience of coaching a beginner on violin. I was recommended tondo so by a music teacher who taught my class.
What types of students have you worked with?
I´ve worked with children 4 1/2, and all other ages of children, teens and adults (even a couple senior citizens) and with varying medical conditions. I reinforce them alot and feel this kind of encouragement is very important, whether they are young, middle-aged or senior citizens. I feel that music is very calming and also healing. Many of my adult students have arthritis and playing anyway can help them be much more physically healthy. I never tell an arthritic adult that they can´t learn. I always instruct them to get in position, and simply note if any of the violin technique is overwhelming for them.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I still enjoy playing violin solos, duets and trios. I love playing in Almanacs. special events e.g. the Banning Jewish Women´s Club. I have started playing in creative venues. I´m very fond of the work I did as a freelance artist at Highland Springs Resort. I was happy to play at a location that was often frequented by stars, actors and creative people such as Albert Einstein. You know he was also a violinist!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone you can relate to and who is sincere about his or her enjoyment of music. Also pick someone who has a skill or ability that they want. Teachers welcome a student who is willing to communicate to a teacher, who realizes it might be a little rough at times but always keep in mind that a teacher (a good teacher) is interested in a student own skills and has understanding about what music and exercises to use. Every student is different, and if you try to focus only on what is good for a student the teacher is going in the right direction. Music is generally fun. The student should give the teacher ongoing feedback, because they have grown or have new questions as they go along.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Most of all they should have a general view of growth and expansion. Do they feel inspired to start learning? They should know what has inspired them to take on this new learning experience. Teachers most of all need and want to know what the student is expecting, and what they´re willing to commit to, time-wise attending lessons and including the amount of time to commit to for practice. Have student name 3 things that s/he loves about violin or wants to get out of their practice and learning. Get an agreement on practice. Also, they are encouraged to listen to recordings. And last, pick a teacher who has skills, and has what you want.