About
Welcome to Swider String Studio, where I teach violin, viola, and chamber music in my South Minneapolis studio. I teach all ages! I find that students face different challenges based on personalities, learning styles, and especially experience (both with music and with age). I enjoy helping my students accomplish their personal goals, whether that is joining or reaching a higher position in a school or local orchestra program (GTCYS or MYS, for examples), participating in All-State, performing solos, or simply learning to play the music in which they are particularly interested. I enjoy teaching adult students who are personally invested in learning a new instrument, or furthering their knowledge base and technical prowess. Some of my students like to "reach for the stars" - their goals might include performing a solo with orchestra or becoming a music major, for instance. Others want to learn to play their favorite music, be that movie score music from Harry Potter or classical favorites. My primary goal is to help my students accomplish THEIR goals in a positive learning environment with structure and direction as well as freedom to pursue their particular interests.
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
This is entirely dependent upon the student's age. For a very young beginner, (3-7), there would be a few weeks of mostly learning the parts of the violin and bow. Then we could begin to pluck the strings (called pizzicato) and eventually start to use the bow. I often use the Suzuki books and some Suzuki principals to help aid the learning process for young students. I am NOT primarily a Suzuki teacher, however. I use many methods and try to base my method choices on what works best for each student.
If the student is older or is not a beginner, lessons can progress very differently. Feel free to contact me to help me understand you or your student's situation so that I can give you a good idea of what to expect.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been playing the violin for 34 years and I majored in Violin Performance at the University of Houston. I've played the viola for 21 years and I must admit that I love it every bit as much as the violin!
I've been teaching for 28 years (as of 2022). I started teaching in my home in Austin, Texas when I was very young, and taught at Sagemont Centre for the Arts in Houston while in college. I've coached camps at MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis and taught at K&S in Woodbury, Minnesota. I taught in Burnsville at the Minnesota Valley Academy of Music and for many years, I was violin, viola, and chamber music faculty at St Joseph's School of Music in St Paul.
Many of my high school students have been selected to participate in All-State and my students are involved in both Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies and Minnesota Youth Symphonies.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
How did you get started teaching?
I loved sharing music with others from the time I was very young. I started teaching little ones to help them along in their school orchestras, and progressed to teaching older, more advanced students. Since I got my degree, (14 years ago), I generally teach up to college level musicians but often have a student or two in college that want to continue their studies with me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach all ages! I work with some very energetic kids, teenagers dealing with depression, adults struggling to stay sharp and avoid dementia, some kids with behavioral disorders, etc. The most challenging student I taught was partially blind and deaf and had some paralysis in her left-hand! That was difficult. But she could play!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I was particularly happy to hear that the four students of mine who auditioned for higher level youth orchestras all rose a level in rank this Fall. They are all thrilled and their excitement is contagious!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
While it is esesential to teach technique and musicality, a really good teacher will shape their teaching to you as a person and musician, rather than expecting you to fit into a "cookie-cutter" mold they have for all students. Be certain they will nurture you and determine how best you learn so they can teach you in a way you can understand and absorb.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) If you don't have an instrument, WAIT FOR A TEACHER'S ADVICE before going to a shop and buying one. Simply do not order from the internet. Stringed instruments must be chosen by hearing them under your own ear.
2) What method books to you use for scales, pieces, etudes, bowings, double stops/chords... and can you incorporate books I have already bought, or will those not be helpful in the future?
3) Tell a potential teacher what you feel are your greatest challenges with your instrument and ask how the teacher would help you overcome those.