Anyone Can Learn at Any Age
People often believe that only those with innate talent can learn the violin. Not true. If you have a real passion to learn and invest the time, you can be successful. And, while children often begin learning the violin at a young age, it is never too late to start.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
There are various techniques used by music educators to teach students how to play the violin. The Traditional Method and Suzuki Method are just two examples. But since everyone learns differently, one size does not fit all. I am skilled in all the latest techniques and will customize a program that works best with your unique learning process and personality—one that creates the most satisfying and rewarding experience possible.
Make Your Own Kind of Music
Although classical music is the primary foundation for learning to play the violin, there is always room for other genres, especially if of particular interest to a student. Making time to learn a pop song, movie theme song, or holiday song, for example, can be just as important as learning to play a sonata or concerto. A student recently asked if he could learn the theme song from Star Wars. He did, and it was great fun!
Pulling at Your Heart Strings
The simple fact is I love playing the violin. I love the sound and I love making the sound. I love connecting with the audience when I play. I even love the most mundane aspects of practicing! My primary goal is to teach students how to make music and to love making it. In the end, I want my students to fall in love with the violin and play with joy, confidence, and passion.
Violin Lessons Are Cool
I approach every lesson with enthusiasm, humor, and a little surprise. I want students to be excited and curious about the next lesson. I want them to think violin lessons are cool and that the time spent at First Chair Studio is just as much fun as playing a favorite video game.
Lifelong Lessons from the Violin
The physical, mental, and social benefits of playing a musical instrument are well-known, but the violin offers some rather surprising additions, including enhanced sensory development, improved posture, and stress relief. Through violin, students learn how to accomplish goals and excel at hard things. They acquire a love and appreciation for music that will last a lifetime. In the end, I believe the skills a student acquires will not only serve to help them become a better musician but will enhance other aspects of their lives as well, and I teach to that end.
I Like to Learn Too
I believe that a great teacher is one that never stops learning themselves. I constantly endeavor to learn and grow with and from my students. When I teach, I become a better player myself. At the end of the day, I often reflect on some of the things I learned from my students. I truly love what I do!
Take a Bow
The great joy of making music is in being able to share it with others. In addition to studio recitals, I encourage students to seek out other performance opportunities—perhaps playing for a group of friends or entering a school talent show. It can be an audience of one. I recently recorded a student in the studio so she could share her accomplishment with her grandmother living across the country.
Stay Connected Between Lessons
I strongly believe that teaching doesn’t end when the lesson ends. I like to be available to my students as much as possible. I enjoy their text updates, email questions, and even videos sent between lessons. I encourage them to use technology to keep me connected.
