Violin Lessons By Rachel Gessel

I have been playing the violin for over 20 years and have taught lessons on and off for the last 13 years. I have a minor in music from Brigham Young University and have participated in several orchestra groups over the past several years. I played Violin II in the Houston Sinfonietta for seven years. I love to play the violin and I love teaching children and adolescents how to play this wonderful instrument.

*** Lesson Details ***

I teach 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour lessons. (For students younger than 8 years of age, 30-minute or 45-minute lessons are recommended.) Each of my lessons is taught one-on-one in my home.

I teach a combination of the Suzuki Method and a traditional style. The Suzuki Method creates a strong technical foundation to build upon while also training the ear to work independently of note reading. I combine this method with a more traditional approach as I teach students to read music and sight-read.

What to expect in a lesson:

Beginners:

- Learning to correctly hold the violin and bow with proper position

- Learning the names of notes and placement of fingers

- Note and rhythm training/reading; key and time signature training

- Ear training

- Beginning level Suzuki and traditional pieces

Intermediate:

- Ensuring that proper positioning and posture is upheld

- Scale and rhythm training; key and time signature training

- Ear training

- Intermediate level Suzuki and traditional pieces

- Learning shifting exercises and vibrato

Advanced:

- Scale and rhythm training exercises/etudes

- Ear training

- Advanced level Suzuki pieces and/or traditional and other classical pieces

For the first lesson:

Beginners: Please bring your violin (appropriate for your size), bow, shoulder rest, and Suzuki volume 1.

Intermediate-Advanced: Please bring your violin, bow, shoulder rest, and your most recently performed/polished piece.

Parental involvement in younger students' lessons and at-home practicing is HIGHLY encouraged!