Violin Lessons
About
Music is a language we can all speak. But it is so much more than that. Music is exploration, curiosity and dedication. As a music teacher, my primary focus is to teach my students the language of music, giving them the tools they need to explore and find their own voice.
My teaching draws on over 20 years of classical training on the violin and 16 years at the piano. I recieved a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Lawrence University Conservatory of Music and have played with orchestras and chamber groups all over the country. Currently I am in my 3rd season with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and I teach group violin lessons to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders through the GTCYS (Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies) Harmony Program.
For me, music is an opportunity for life-long growth, social and creative fulfillment. I take students of all ages. If you're a beginner looking to start something new or if you've studied before and want to continue I will give my best so you can achieve your goals.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is extremely important. I will pay close attention to your goals and reasons for wanting to learn music and share a bit of my own experience and inspiration.
We will discuss lesson times and practicing. Practicing outside of the lesson is essential in order to progress. Expectations will vary based on the students' goals and the amount of time they have available.
If you have played before, I will access your posture and skill level and we'll talk about reading music. I'll ask you to play something, anything you already know. Even if it's half-forgotten, I can tell a lot just from a few notes. I also might give you something new to try in the lesson so I can get a glimpse of your learning process. We'll discuss what you've played already and decide on the next step.
With beginner students, I will begin to teach basic positioning. We will also discuss lesson materials. (I use Suzuki and/or Essential Elements for violin and Faber Piano Adventures for Piano.) If you don't already have an instrument, please contact me beforehand. I am more that happy to help you out if you have any concerns.
For younger students, I believe it's important to include at least one parent in the first lesson. I will get a feel for how involved each parent will be in their child's lessons/practice and give suggestions based on my own experience and knowledge. In general, the younger the child, the more they will benefit from parental involvement.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, Lawrence University Conservatory of Music (2017)
Studied violin starting at the age of 3.
Studied piano starting at the age of 7.
I speak Spanish fluently enough to teach.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40/hr.
How did you get started teaching?
In January 2018, a classmate from Lawrence reffered me to the GTCYS Harmony Program. During the school year we teach small groups but I had the privilege to teach some of our students privately over the summer.
At the same time I also volunteered to teach weekly adult ESL classes at a non-profit organization. (CLUES - Communidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio).
With those two experiences, I quickly realized that I feel naturally inclined to teach. I believe that's because of the excellent teaching in my background and because I was raised by two music teachers.
What types of students have you worked with?
Music: 3rd, 4th and 5th graders
ESL: Adults
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Parent-teacher conferences for the Harmony Program:
We got to talk to many of our students' parents. Then we ate pizza and the kids played a concert for all of the families. It was so beautiful to see their progress and how joyful and confident they were to share what they learned infront of everyone.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher that is dependable and establish a dependable method of communication. It's important that they understand and are willing to work with your needs, doubts and expectations.
When teaching, they should encourage a healthy level confidence in their students while gently and persistently encouraging good technique.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What motivates me? What kind of music do I eventually want to learn?
Do I have an instrument? How will I get one? How much money am I willing to spend on that? (Please contact me before the first lesson with any questions or concerns.)
How much time do I have to devote to practicing?
How much progress am I expecting to make in 6 months? In a year?
When can I come to lessons?