Zeng Music Lessons (AP Music Theory, Violin, Piano)

Danqi Zeng’s Violin Teaching Philosophy

Playing an instrument is one of the most powerful tools to express oneself when words cannot. As a violin teacher, I strive to pass the knowledge on to my students and build their skills so that they are able to express themselves and appreciate joy and beauty in music playing. In my lessons, I focus on technique, musicianship, goal-oriented, encouragement and support.

Technique

I help students with building a strong and healthy foundation of technique in violin playing with the greatest ease and physical freedom. One of my goals in lessons is to remove the body tension in students’ playing so that they can best enjoy making music and be free of injury. I also emphasize on technique building in my lessons while keeping my technical instructions concise, creative, and easy to understand so that the students can not only understand the concepts by themselves but also be able to re-apply. I aim to train students as though they will be teaching in the future. I help them with identifying new and difficult spots, and provide ways to solve problems.

Musicianship

In a typical lesson, there will be a certain amount of time devoted to cultivating a student's musicianship. This includes ear training and sight reading exercises, short composition or improvisation exercises, music theory and music history short lessons, and other group music-making activities. The purpose of this is to make sure the student is not only just learning how to operate an instrument but also becoming a well-rounded individual with all the various skills. I would like my students to explore the realm of music in all these different ways and be able to take what they learn and apply it to their other life situations as well.

Goal-Oriented

My goal is to help students to find out what they want, and help them to get there. I listen to and value student’s voices and needs, and tailor my teaching plans for them, whether it is preparing for a violin competition, or to play for enjoyment. I help students with setting goals, at the beginning of the lesson or month for short-term goals, and at the beginning of the semester for long-term goals.

Encouragement and Support

I strive to provide a supportive and nurturing environment in lessons while giving my students honest and constructive feedback. I believe this will boost their confidence so that they improve their playing as well as making positive impacts on their lives.

Background and Influence

I am an experienced violin teacher who has taught a wide age range of students from children to older adults for over 8 years. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Music in Violin Performance degree and Baroque Violin Performance degree at Indiana University, while working as an Associate Instructor in the Music Theory department teaching musical skills courses to undergraduate music major students. I am currently participating in the RCM Teaching Elementary Violin Training Program. I hold degrees from the University of Michigan and University of Cincinnati.

I am currently working at the Davis Academy of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. I have previously taught at the Stafford Music Academy in Indiana, Claire’s Music Academy in Michigan, and Westchester Academy of Music in Ohio. I was invited to give a masterclass in the string pre-college program at the University of Michigan, and was invited as a guest lecturer at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music violin pre-college program.

My teaching style is influenced by the traditional method, the Suzuki method, and famous pedagogues that I have closely worked with, including Mauricio Fuks, Mimi Zweig, Ingrid Matthews, Kurt Sassmannshaus, and Danielle Belen.