About
I have been teaching for over 25 years and find it very rewarding. I have tremendous patience and enjoy each and every student God brings my way. I believe in using my enthusiasm and knowledge for music to help my students, teaching them how to practice correctly and to have proper technique right from the start. This includes teaching students to listen to themselves for sound quality and good intonation. Ear training and theory are usually incorporated into every lesson.
I am able to teach a wide range of styles including classical (which gives a good foundation for other styles) and the latest is country and bluegrass, as I have recently moved to Tennessee. I also have taught fiddling technique in the past and have student books for that. (including Mark O'Conner's teaching method).
Besides beginners, I always enjoy teaching both transfer and more advanced students - figuring out how to best help them at their point of arrival at my studio. I also like to do short term coaching with more advanced students, such as those with upcoming recitals or auditions. I also teach those with disabilities of any age, including those with cognitive, or physical handicaps. I devise a plan that will help with overall function, which includes teaching specific exercises I incorporate into the lesson/practice.
I especially enjoy working with adults of all ages, as I have a deep respect for them playing at such a busy time in their lives. My older adults especially, really respond to my style of teaching and I really try to inspire them to play their best. Just hearing prior comments from them I feel they really appreciate the care I place on proper technique and they always seem to respond positively.
I teach in person and online lessons at Newport Community Center in Newport TN, as well as at my studio in Parrottsville. Online students have the advantage of reviewing the video recording through Zoom (with their permission, of course). They can see themselves from my perspective and can observe themselves to help with improvement. There is nothing like hearing (and seeing) oneself to help improvement happen very quickly. Online students also have the convenience of having lessons in their home.
I always try and write up a synopsis soon after the online lesson which helps the student keep on track and know what to practice.
I have gotten my training at great schools and have had many years of professional performance experience. To learn more about me please go to my website:
http://www.CynthiasMusic.net
I enjoy seeing students respond to my enthusiasm and passion for a piece they are working on. I enjoy seeing it all come together at a performance - how proud they are to perform that very piece.
I enjoy when they play in ensemble - and the great time they have while playing good music.
I enjoy passing on my knowledge to my students, knowledge I was privileged to learn from my master teachers. It is astonishing to know my "violin" great "grandfather" was Leopold Auer (Eudice Shapiro, from whom I took lessons from while at USC took lessons from Ephram Zimbalist who took from the great Leopold Auer)!
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I find the student's strengths and where they are at musically, then establish a game plan.
If the student is a transfer student I evaluate where they are technically and gently guide them from there. I praise what they are doing well, too. That is important.
If the student is brand new then I have a clean slate to work with and so, get right to work starting with the basics. I am detail oriented and believe that once good habits are established, then I can begin teaching musicallity.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance on violin from University of Southern California and a Master's degree, on viola, also in Music performance at Colorado State University. I have attended many summer festivals (please see website for more details).
I have been teaching for many years and have gained much valuable experience, just by teaching so many students.
Even after teaching for so long though, I am still learning - not only from my students, but as in the past being a member of the Music Teacher's Association, as well as American String Teacher's Association Going to conferences and reading teaching articles is so important to keep up to date with the latest trends, and ways to more efficiently teach.
I feel that playing professionally in orchestras and chamber ensembles is very important to teach musicality and listening skills. I have learned so much from conductors! I have played in Greeley Phil, Cheyenne Symphony, San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra and am a recently retired member of Fort Collins Symphony (was a tenured member for 9 years). I was owner of Royal Strings and Camelot Strings, performing for hundreds of weddings and events in the San Diego area and have more recently formed Meadow Creek Mountain Music to perform for events in the East Tennessee area.
I'm a firm believer that keeping up performance skills is a must when demonstrating for students.
While attending USC I was blessed to learned violin pedigogy with Alice Schoenfeld - a prolific violin teacher in the L.A. area. I still have her "A tune a Day" book with comments she made in class. I have to say that I still teach what I learned from that book.
Since then, I have also attended a week long George Bornoff seminar to learn about his method. I still teach from his books.