Whitesell Violin And Viola Studio

I usually have a couple of questions for new students: How long have you been playing, and what resources/books/music have you worked on most recently?  Have you used a method book?  What scales do you know?  And finally, what do you find the most fun about your instrument, and what is the most challenging?

These questions give me an idea of skill level, and also allows me to work with what you're already doing, rather than having a student buy completely new materials.  I also get a feel for how to make lessons fun and engaging, and what the student may need the most help with.

At Ithaca College, I completed the music education degree, which included over a year of student teaching experience.  I've also taught private lessons for several months now, and I am looking to teach full time.

I've worked in an instrument repair shop and completed a course on basic string instrument repair.

In the spring of 2019, I took Every Child Can, which is the introductory course to the Suzuki method, and I am currently working towards further Suzuki teacher training.

Half an hour- $25

45 minutes- $37

Hour- $50

I feel strongly that music education should be accessible.  Rates can be adjusted slightly if the current cost is prohibitive.

I've known since I was 12 years old that I have wanted to be a teacher.  In high school, I worked as a section leader for the orchestra to assist my peers and then majored in music education when I entered college.  I have been working in public schools as an orchestra teacher since graduating from Ithaca College.

My current students are in elementary and middle school, ranging from absolute beginners to several years of experience.  I have worked with students of all abilities and ages, from kindergartners learning how to twinkle for the first time, to high school seniors preparing for college auditions.

I would advise students to find a teacher who prioritizes the student's needs and goals.  Not all students want to learn Bach or Mozart, and that's okay- the teacher should be willing to adjust to the student's interests.

Is this teacher experienced in the material I am interested in, or at least willing to learn with me?

Is this teacher flexible and willing to work with me, or do they have a set way of running their studio?