About
***I teach in Washington DC (20005) or on Zoom!***
“The only reason for mastering technique is to make sure the body does not prevent the soul from expressing itself.” -La Meri
I’ve been playing violin for 20 years, and one of the greatest rewards is passing along all I’ve learned to my students! I’m here to help you reach your goals and cheer you on along the way, whether you want to simply have fun learning a new skill or you want to work intensely toward a performance or audition. I care deeply about providing a safe and engaging learning environment to help my students thrive. I would love to teach you or your child!
Distinguishing features:
- I hold degrees from top music schools where I studied with violin teachers known as among the best in the country. I hold dual master’s degrees in violin performance and chamber music from the University of Michigan where I studied with Colburn alum Danielle Belen, winner of the 2008 Sphinx Competition and former teaching assistant to Robert Lipsett. I earned my bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Oberlin Conservatory with Juilliard alum David Bowlin, winner of the 2003 Washington International Competition and founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble.
- I’m classically trained but have experience performing pop music and other genres as well
- I provide a holistic and well-rounded teaching approach as I’ve taken classes and read books on topics such as brain science and learning, physical wellness for musicians, string pedagogy (which included study of the Suzuki approach), Baroque violin, and fiddle music and improvisation
- I offer opportunities to stay connected in between lessons to help keep motivation and momentum up (at no additional cost)
Details
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Photos and videos
Reviews
Brittany B.
Olivia B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I'm always happy to hear from prospective students! I offer a free trial lesson so you can try it out with no pressure to continue. I know it can feel vulnerable to meet a new teacher and/or to start learning a new skill, but I’m on your team and I’m here to help! I want to hear about your goals and learning style so I can cater to your unique needs and desires as a student. I agree (and so does brain science) with the legendary Juilliard violin teacher Dorothy DeLay that “people learn best when they are having fun” and “when people feel anxious, they cannot learn” (p. 42-43, http://dspace.nwu.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10394/2628/koornhof_piet(1).pdf?isAllowed=y&sequence=1).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold dual masters degrees in violin performance and chamber music from the University of Michigan where I studied with Danielle Belen, winner of the 2008 Sphinx Competition and former teaching assistant to Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in violin performance from Oberlin Conservatory with David Bowlin, winner of the 2003 Washington International Competition and founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble.
In addition to teaching private violin lessons since I was in high school, I have experience working with elementary students as a Sphinx Overture teacher in Flint, MI, and with high schoolers and young adults as a faculty member of SA’OAXACA International Music Festival in Oaxaca, Mexico. Not only have I witnessed great teaching up close as I’ve had the privilege to study with the most incredible violin teachers, but I’ve also gained so much teaching wisdom over my entire life from my mom, who is an absolute superstar elementary school teacher.
As a performer, I received numerous honors as a student at Oberlin and the University of Michigan, and was a prizewinner in the 2020 William C. Byrd Competition. I’m most frequently complimented for my sound, vibrato, and bow arm. After performances, I’ve been told by accomplished musicians: “You made magic,” “You’re a rockstar,” and “You have one of the most beautiful vibratos I’ve ever heard.”
Over the years, I’ve taken a plethora of classes in Alexander Technique, yoga, and general wellness classes for musicians. Additionally, I took Beyond Practicing, an online course taught by Juilliard alum and professor Noa Kageyama, which covers topics ranging from how to practice more effectively to tackling performance anxiety. I’m on a quest to keep finding ways to incorporate what I’ve learned into my teaching to help my students practice and perform with more ease, efficiency, and joy, which will in turn reduce the risk of injury in addition to making it all more enjoyable! And if we enjoy our time with our violins, we will naturally want to practice more đź’Ş
What types of students have you worked with?
I've taught students ranging from young elementary students just starting off to serious and driven high school and college students, as well as adults looking to learn something new or refresh old skills. I've loved teaching all of them!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If I were you, I wouldn't settle on a teacher until I found someone:
-
Who is willing to listen to your individual needs and adapt their teaching style to fit you
-
Who makes you feel at ease so you can learn freely
-
Who builds your confidence and gives you the tools to be a great teacher to yourself in the practice room
-
Who respects your precious, unique artistic voice and gives you appropriate guidance to develop and refine it
-
Who challenges you to reach new levels and helps you find the pace that works for you
-
Who values caring for the physical body (everything is connected--we don’t just play violin with our arms!)
-
Who genuinely cares about you as a person and a player
-
Whose violin playing you love and want to emulate
-
Who you enjoy being around!