Violin Lessons With James
About
I have been studying violin for 19 years and have 5 years of teaching experience. I play violin professionally under various contractors and groups in the central MA and the Boston Area. Regardless of my performing career, my heart lies with teaching and carrying out a legacy my teachers have passed to me. I have witnessed great progress from my current students and look forward to expanding my studio of students. My style of teaching is engaging and based on individuality. Every student gets their own curriculum based on their drive, experience, and personality. I build respect and trust with my students so they can become naturally ambitious with their instrument. I put emphasis on the importance of efficiency and consistency in practice, which are valuable traits, applicable to most life skills.
Here's a list of previous merits and positions.
- Strings Teacher at "Neighborhood Strings" run by Worcester Chamber Music Society (3 years).
-Recipient of the Gerald D Mack Scholarship from "Music Worcester" (2012)
- Has played with various orchestras such as : The Keene Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Pro Musica (Hudson,MA), Springfield Symphony, and Massachusetts Symphony (Worcester, MA).
- 2 years of Schooling at the Longy School of Music (Cambridge, MA)
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My agenda for working with a new student will begin with asking some questions to the student as an ice breaker. A first lesson could be scary or may induce anxiety. Asking questions of intrest such as asking about hobbies can help with this. I can use the answers to this questions so create a reward system or further foster the new relationship. Nothing about violin feels "natural" at first, so the first couple of lessons will be centered of finding the fastest way to get comfortable with your instrument. Posture, hand and finger placement will all be explained clearly. I encourage all questions during the process and give quick and accurate answers. Practicing times and homework are all case by case and depend on family circumstances.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rate for in home lessons is 40$ an hour ( I tend to go overtime) 30 min lesson = 25$
If I am commuting to you, then price is negotiated based on distance and time to get there. Usually its (10-20$ commuting fee)
How did you get started teaching?
After leaving music school, I started teaching by applying to a community strings program called "Neighborhood Strings" in my hometown Worcester MA. I worked as a mentor until i was given a teaching position 3 months after. Since then I have been building my private student roster.