About
My teaching focuses on skills students need to succeed in playing their violin or viola while also making learning enjoyable. I make sure students are clear on what they need to work on and how to work on it. Body alignment and ergonomics of playing are emphasized.
I have a large arsenal of ways to teach violin and viola so am able to customize for each student. I am an experienced teacher that is still very passionate about what I do. I am known to be caring and patient. I graduated from University of Denver with a degree in music. I have a lot of training in how to teach violin and viola and continue to take trainings to benefit my students.
Details
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Photos and videos
Reviews
Elizabeth K.
Betty Lynn B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
If the student has not played before, I focus on the basics. How to hold the violin and bow. How to make a good sound. How to play in tune. We start from the beginning and keep adding new skills. I use pieces to teach the skills. We go at a pace comfortable for the student.
I delay teaching how to read notes and music until there is a basic comfort level with the instrument. We will start learning to read music in the first book. Then, we go step by step learning how to understand and read music notation.
If the student has played before, then I work at understanding what skills the student needs work on and what skills the student has down. We then use materials that work on the skills the student needs proficiency in.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a music degree from the University of Denver as well as a Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy from the University of Denver. I have taken the training in the Mark O'Connor American Violin Method Books 1-4. I have completed Paul Rolland Level I training and intend to complete all 4 levels of that training. I have attended many workshops, and master classes to further my learning, skills and to get new ideas.
Currently, I am working on body mapping. I plan to get certified in this. Body Mapping is specifically geared to musicians and how to use our bodies well. Many musicians end up in pain. The goal of body mapping is for that to not happen.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system is based on the quarter (3 months.) I plan 11 lessons each quarter. This allows for time off for holidays. Students can pay by the quarter or by the month. I offer 30, 45 and 60 minute lessons. 30 minute lessons are $140/month; 45 minute lessons are $210/month and 60 minute lessons are $280/month.
How did you get started teaching?
It was something I kept finding myself going back to over and over again, so I decided to pursue it.
I first taught some in high school. Then again, I taught some in college. After college I expected to pursue a different career, but found myself also teaching a few lessons.
I went back to DU and took the certificate program in Suzuki Pedagogy. After that, I started teaching for a living.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with all ages. I currently have students age 4 - 74.
I work with students where there instrument is very much a hobby and a pleasant addition to their lives. I also work with students who have chosen to pursue a degree and career in music.
I work with beginners as well as advanced students. I work with students who started in the public schools or have transferred from another teacher.
I am a good fit if you want to play and play well. I am not a good fit if you want somebody to brow beat you and motivate you by fear or feeling badly.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy our recitals. I do not require students to attend all recitals as we have 6 each year.
A couple of years ago I realized at our end of school year recital that all of my students that have graduated high school have continued to play their instruments. Instilling a love of music and of their instrument in my students was a goal of mine from the beginning - and it has happened.
A few of my students have gotten to solo with their orchestras. That is a lot of fun to watch.
Having students set goals and then reach them is also very rewarding.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
What is their experience and training in how to teach?
Are you comfortable with the teacher?
Can the teacher take you to where you want to go?
Many people look for the least expensive teacher or the teacher that is closest to them. Often people think that "let's see if this is something that I like and want to continue with. If it is, then I will invest more into it." That first teacher is very important. The skills you learn at the beginning apply to everything you will do later. If the learning you are doing at the beginning is not enjoyable or not progressing in an exciting positive manner, then it is difficult for the student to maintain their interest.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It is a good idea to decide on a teacher and then ask the teacher's recommendation as far as obtaining an instrument.
Is this something I want to try for a while? Is this something I want to do for a long time? What are your learning goals?
Where is some practice time going to fit into the student's schedule?
What attitude does the student want from the teacher?
Are there materials that the student does or doesn't want included in the learning process?
What would make the student a good fit with a particular teacher?
What does the student want in the teacher and from the teacher?