Bross Violin And Viola Studio
About
I have worked hard to get where I am today, and I want to make sure my students have the best environment in which to learn. Some benefits of studying with me are:
I am fun and supportive. I'm having just as much fun teaching as I want my students to have learning, and creating a patient, supportive environment is integral to my students' development.
I teach all ages and abilities. I am experienced in a variety of teaching levels, from beginning to advanced studies.
Each student has lessons structured according to their individual goals, learning speeds, and musical levels. I teach students of all levels positive playing habits and how to avoid bad habits, and I teach these using the standard classical repertoire for violin and viola.
I emphasize technique and the fundamentals of theory, especially with beginning students, so students have the essential building blocks and tools they need to succeed.
I am professional. I have received some of the best education in my field, and with 20 years of experience in music I am confident in my ability to pass on the skills necessary to succeed as a musician.
When I was in High School, I fell in love with the deep, rich sound of the Viola and decided to make it my primary instrument. I have great love for both violin and viola, and I enjoy sharing my passion with my students. I love that by playing music I get to connect to the world around me through art, expression, and communication.
I want my students to develop their own musical voice. My goal with teaching is to help students use their unique musical voice to form lasting and meaningful connections with their audiences and the people around them.
By exploring these connections, I believe that we can all grow as people. Making great musicians is awesome, but I'm also out to help make great people! As Pablo Casals said, "I am a human first, a musician second."
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Before beginning regular lessons, I host the student for a trial lesson to establish playing level and strength of communication between the two of us.
If the student has been playing violin for a while, I'll usually ask them to play something for me and we'll go from there.
If a student is a novice, we start from scratch!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from Northern Illinois University in 2011 and my Master's Degree from the Peabody Conservatory in 2013. I have received some of the best education in my field, and with 20 years of experience in music I am confident in my ability to pass on the skills necessary to succeed as a musician.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
- Before we start regular lessons, I suggest a 30 minute trial lesson with me. Your trial lesson is half price!
- 30 minute lessons are $35
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45 minute lessons are $50
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60 minute lessons are $65
How did you get started teaching?
When I play the violin or viola, sharing what I do comes very naturally me. I have always enjoyed sharing the inner workings and secrets of any task I am doing, but with music in particular there is a deeper more meaningful quality to the task. To play is to teach, so teaching my instrument grew very organically out of my craft, and I have been doing it since around 2008.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have experience teaching both the violin and viola to students from ages 4 to 75! I'm a firm believer that anyone can learn, and I love the task of approaching students coming from all different ages and levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
In addition to playing violin and viola, I am passionate about living a zero-waste lifestyle. I am very fond of the uptick this way of living has seen recently, and I enjoy seeing positive change in our environment!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Finding the right violin or viola teacher is a big decision. Look for someone that you can communicate well with and enjoy learning from! From that relationship comes the enjoyment of developing skill in the instrument.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I hope to get out of this experience?
What are my musical interests inside and outside of the classical realm?
Where do I see my playing taking me?
Can this teacher help me accomplish my goals?