About
I have experience teaching students from the ages of 4 to 50. I am motivated and able to help my students to improve regardless of age, ability, or professional interests. My students make improvements in the physical approach to the instrument, as well as ear-training and musicality. My students have successfully auditioned for college-level violin studies. I have also trained students for personal projects--one of my students wanted to learn to play violin to explore her Hungarian roots. Another wanted to learn to play violin so she could play music she composed in a film she wrote, directed and starred in! I can only imagine how many more people there are who need the violin, and I want to help them achieve their dreams.
I have a B.M. in violin performance from Butler University and earned my M.M. at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music.
I have taught violin lessons at the Butler Community Art School from 2014-2019. I began teaching at Cincinnati Strings in 2021. I have also taught music at various private and charter schools in Indianapolis, including Saint Richards School, Tindley Genesis Academy, International School of Indiana, and School for Community Learning.
I am an active professional chamber musician, performing concerts regularly in Indiana, Iowa, and New York.
I am also a dynamic soloist, and have given solo recitals for the community in Indianapolis and Miami.
I was graduate fellow with the Henry Mancini Institute at the Frost School of Music from 2018-2020. As part of this incredible orchestra I performed with jazz and pop legends Jose Feliciano, Arturo Sandoval, and members of The Rolling Stones. I was concertmaster for film-scoring sessions with award winning film composer Carlos Rivera who composed the music for Godless and The Queen's Gambit!
I am currently pursuing my doctorate at the University of Cincinnati.
I have experience teaching students from the ages of 4 to 50. I am motivated and able to help my students to improve regardless of age, ability, or professional interests. My students make improvements in the physical approach to the instrument, as well as ear-training and musicality. My students have successfully auditioned for college-level violin studies. I have also trained students for personal projects--one of my students wanted to learn to play violin to explore her Hungarian roots. Another wanted to learn to play violin so she could play music she composed in a film she wrote, directed and starred in! I can only imagine how many more people there are who need the violin, and I want to help them achieve their dreams.
Highlights
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
With beginners I have a process for starting them which emphasizes stable foundation and natural body motion. From here we go to fundamental violin connections and pre-Twinkle exercises.
With intermediate/advanced students I ask them to play me a scale and maybe a piece of choice at their first lesson. This is always enough for me to assess their level and begin our journey together.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I first taught privately for the Butler Community Art School in 2014. Since then I have taught at a slew of private and charter schools in Indianapolis and have built private studios in Indianapolis and Miami. In addition to my private studio, I currently teach for City Strings in Cincinnati. I have studied the pedagogical writings of Galamian, Bronstein, Gingold, Leopold Mozart, Dounis, Mimi Zweig, Suzuki, and others.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $30/hour, $45/45 mins, $60/hr. I offer occasional free masterclasses to focus in on specific techniques, pieces, or practice spots. When a student refers another student to me, I offer each student 1 free lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
My first teaching experience was teaching my younger cousin viola while I was on vacation at a farm in West Virginia. He had to practice even as the mountains, creek, birds, frogs, crayfish, hammocks, and swimming hole beckoned. We made a game out of it and were able to enjoy practicing in the beautiful evening on the porch facing the stream.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students aged 4 to 50. Some of my students were taking purely for enrichment. Others had specific goals in mind. I have helped a girl prepare her college auditions with great success. I helped another student explore her Hungarian roots in the duos of Bella Bartok. One of my students wanted to learn to play violin so she could play the music she composed in a movie she directed and starred in. Many of my pupils just want to learn because it is something they have always wanted to do. It is never too late or too early if you have passion!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I asked a beginning student what his favorite part about violin was. He instantly responded "Playing position."
Me too, buddy.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find someone who is passionate about both playing and teaching. There is a common aphorism "You cannot serve two masters." This does not apply to music, for artistry, performing, study, and pedagogy are all intricately connected. Some students are mimics and learn by good demonstration. Others need a teacher who can formulate their thoughts verbally. Flexibility and multi-talent is not just a benefit but an imperative in a fruitful teacher-student relationship.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask about availability. You need to know that you will both be able to schedule regular lessons for an extended period of time.
Discuss pricing. If their hourly rate is too high for a long lesson, consider half-hour lessons.
Ask what book they teach from so that you can acquire it and get the most from your lessons. Pedagogy books have helpful pictures, exercises, and of course the physical music.
Inquire about the potential teacher's professional experience, priorities, and teaching philosophy.