Charles Johnston Violin Lessons
About
Heifetz said once, in a scripted interview, responding to a question about what it takes to be a great violinist, "You must have self respect as an artist." So everything I do as a teacher is designed to creat justifiable confidence.I teach great physical ease as an essential part of technique and music-making. I also teach from the beginning how to phrase and how to infuse the phrasing with emotional power. My teaching is basically the approach of D. C. Dounis (I studied with David Nadien) and Alexander Technique.
I love teaching. If I could afford it, I would pay the students to come. The real reward is watching them improve and the joy that gives them.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to make the student comfortable and relaxed. Anxiety is a big enemy of learning. I demonstrate how quickly they can make a good sound. I work on showing how practicing can be fun. As a matter of practical fact, the student won't practice if it isn't fun.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been playing the violin since i was a boy. I was offered a job with the Atlanta Symphohy when I was 18, but I didn't take it because I was off to Yale, where I continued studying the violin. After Yale I studied in Germany. When I returned to the U.S. I taught at Georgia Tech and became a very active professional violinist. After six years, I moved to NYC to be able to study with truly great musicians.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The first lesson is free. After that it's $25.00 per hour.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with beginners, amateurs and professionals. My main focus is working with professionals who have problems. Many string players have pain when they play. I show how to play without pain. Pain is actually your friend: it tells you that you are doing something wrong.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for someone who can actually play and enjoys teaching. He or she should make playing fun.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I'm interested in what the student wants to learn, so I can quickly approach the problems he or she has. For beginners, I like to know what their expectations are and how much time they can spend practicing.