About
Hello, I’m Allyson Clare- professional teacher and performer as a violinist, violist, mandolin player and pianist. I’ve been teaching for over twenty years. I’m highly trained and love passing on my knowledge to students of every level. My lessons are highly individualized, and my students tend to make very fast progress.
One of the things I love most about my current iteration of my studio are the recitals- we have recitals you can join in on every three months- this is a great opportunity to perform (online and in person currently) and learn from your peers. I also hold special presentations and events such as How To Practice Like A Pro afternoon hours free for my own students.
Highlights
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?
It's an intuitive process- empathizing with the student as they play, imagining this student playing completely freely and confidently, and drawing on all my knowledge to find the right image, insight, technical nuance, or method of practice to impart to get them closer to their goal.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have had incredible training- from San Francisco Conservatory of music, New England Conservatory of music, teachers Zaven Melikian, Camilla Wicks, Dimitri Murrath and many other world class soloists and chamber musicians. I feel so grateful to have this background which helps me provide a wonderful foundation for my students.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been a natural teacher and a professional one since quite an early age- I taught my younger sibling and others his age when I was about ten years old.
What types of students have you worked with?
My youngest student is five, my oldest in her eighties. Also experienced working with individuals on the autism spectrum, and students with ocd.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A student recently sent me two videos, one of him playing a piece before he met me, one after working together for eleven months. The difference was striking, and I was so happy to see his pride in his progress!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Take a look at the length of time a teacher has taught when you're selecting- some good performers don't have the patience to be great teachers and don't really invest in their students. Long time teachers tend to have natural aptitude and really care about their students.
Equally important, look at the teachers' education- not all teachers with aptitude for teaching in general have the musical and technical knowledge to help you progress. Even if you are playing as a hobby, I believe that the satisfaction of playing an instrument comes from making tangible improvements, and gaining confidence to be your own musician. A great teacher, like a great parent has the wisdom of having gone through all the stages, the ability to inspire and the desire to see their pupils come into their own.