Conducting, Viola, Violin, Musicianship, Practice Skills, Etc

If the student is completely new to the instrument, we work on set-up and beginning stages of playing and practicing, and work out some short and long-term goals. This may or may not including reading the music initially, as it is important to begin with the technical parts of operating the instrument.

If the student is coming from somewhere else and already has some knowledge about music or the instrument, we'll discuss background and I'll have the student demonstrate or discuss their current abilities as they feel comfortable in the first lesson, and we'll work on a game plan for the future with short and long-term goals as we get to know each other.

DMA - Orchestral Conducting MM - Orchestral Conducting & Viola Performance BM - Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education, Viola Performance Certificate Also, many years of experience in various capacities as a working professional musician, including conducting, performing, and teaching. Please see website for more details.

Please see info in Intro section for more info. All lessons held on Zoom at this time. Please inquire for available times, which we can arrange mutually. For this short period and to remain flexible for individuals and families and for my own schedule, instead of a handbook and long-term commitment lessons, I am offering only packaged lessons or single lesson coachings (great for audition prep or otherwise). Lessons can be purchased as a set or individually and will be scheduled and paid in advance. Due to this arrangement and availability, lessons may or may not be held at the same time each week at this time unless a mutual recurring time is possible for both parties. Once set, no reschedules, refunded cancellations, or substitutions will be approved due to the reserved time.

All ages, primarily late elementary through adult.

Make sure to ask questions up front, and also explain any conflicts, concerns, or curiosities you may have at the beginning, rather than after starting. Ask about the teacher's background as well. A solid teacher will be able to comfortably discuss this with you, and/or at least a biography should be available to you. Lessons are a commitment from all parties involved and this is all helpful for planning purposes. Being clear of what you want and expect from lessons at the beginning is also crucial to letting the teacher know if you are taking lessons for the pure enjoyment, or if you have some particular goals in mind. The teacher can then discuss with you how best to achieve these goals, and also to see if you are the right fit for each other based on these goals and commitments. Finally, please inquire about and respect studio policies and calendars, especially when coming into a home studio, which operates independently. Your time has also been reserved only for you. The teacher is making a learning space for your lessons and does plan and prepare for them as any business would, and with care, and this is much appreciated to honor the studio policies. My studio has a handbook which will answer most or all questions. (*Note: A Studio Handbook will not be used at this time, 2025. See above information).

What are you hoping to get out of taking lessons? What are you trying to achieve? What kind of teacher are you wanting to work with you or your student? How do you learn best? What kind of commitment are you willing to make for lessons AND practicing?