About
Hello! I am a classically trained violinist who also improvises, composes, and plays jazz!
I can teach you how to:
● Play pop covers!
● Improvise!
● Learn technique in a fun way!
2021 marks a decade of teaching for me, and I couldn't be happier about that! I have studied at the Moscow Conservatory in Moscow, Russia (2012-15) and Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD (2015-17, BM). Currently, I am an Artist In Residence at the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda, MD.
I love to see students progress and learn new things! I have taught students ages 3 and up in various settings - individual, group, and online asynchronous classes.
Having studied pedagogy at the Moscow Conservatory and the Peabody Conservatory, I understand the technical foundation one needs to express one's musicality. I strive to build this foundation with my students in a fun and engaging way. I strongly support improvisation and composition, even in students that are pursuing strictly classical lessons, as I believe it makes for a well-rounded musician.
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Rebecca M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually take the first lesson to assess the student's technique and what kind of goals the student has. I always make sure to finish the lesson with a list of exercises and ideas the student can implement when they practice at home.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been teaching for a decade and have received pedagogical training from the Moscow State Conservatory in Moscow, Russia, as well as from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, MD.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing is $1 per minute with a minimum of 30 minutes.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was a senior in high school because I enjoyed what I was learning and wanted to share it with others.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide variety of students. Some of the younger students I've taught were about 3 years old and we started with piano, rhythm, and singing. I have taught older students violin and focused on classical technique. Some students I've taught were interested in improvising and composing. I taught a group violin class for 3 years to a group of about twelve 10-year-olds with ADD, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite events happened in 2017 - two of my young students came to an outdoor symphony concert I was playing at a park. They were 6 and 7, and they loved the concert so much that they danced in front of the stage during the whole performance. After the performance, they brought their violins to the stage and played the songs we were learning at the time.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The best advice, I believe, is to look for a teacher that will let you explore and support you in trying new things. As a classical musician who has found jazz, I think it's very important to improvise and play around with the music and not always strictly play what's on the page.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What would you like to learn? Why are you learning? What songs would you like to play?