Howdy! I've been playing a stringed-instrument of one sort-or-another since the wee age of 6 and in a variety of contexts, from full orchestras to rock bands to world-class recording studios. I've composed original music for theatrical productions and mastered classical pieces for solo violin performance. I learned my instruments through a combination of private instruction, self-education, and years of real-world experience.

My first instrument was violin, which I started playing in fourth grade; I started private violin lessons in sixth, and continued with the same teacher until I was 20. At age 16 I started playing guitar and electric bass, and shortly thereafter picked up mandolin, ukulele. . . basically whatever stringed instrument was needed in whatever band or ensemble I happened to be playing with at the time. I've found I have an affinity for quickly learning any stringed instrument, a skill for which I owe credit to my years of private instruction on violin.

In...

Hi! I have been teaching private violin lessons for the past 4 years to beginners and adults! I am currently a student at DePaul University working towards my Master's Degree in Violin Performance. I graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance. I specialize in classical training, although I also love to teach fiddle. I am a trained Suzuki teacher as well as a chamber musician and coach. If you are looking for a young, exciting teacher, I might be the perfect fit!

I am 25 years old and have recently graduated from DePaul University School of Music with Master Degree.( June 2013)
Born in Rep of Moldova, I started playing violin at 5 years old. I went to the Music School and Academy of Music , Theater and Fine Arts, Moldova. With my father, a violinists, he was my source of inspiration.

Even when I was still very young I won the 3rd prize at the International Competition "E.Coca" (1997) and enjoyed the practicing and listening to the classical music.
While I was still 15, my teacher would leave me with a younger student and made me teach him what I know. I suppose she noticed that quality in me; since I had already a good level of playing, I could hear and tell what could still be improved in the student's playing.

While a student at the Music Academy I started teaching privately and got several students that made really good progress. I was selected to be the Concertmaster of the Symphony Orchestra ( 2009-2010), also won the...

I began my violin studies at the age of 6. I am fortunate enough to have had very many great teachers in my life. Since I have received so many different perspectives of teaching in my studies, I have seen firsthand several teaching methods. This molded me into not only a good player, but a good teacher as well. I love what I do and Violin is my life.
I have been teaching privately for about 5 years. I have been professionally trained to teach all levels of violin playing. Although I am teaching, I still strive to never stop learning. I received my Bachelor's Degree in violin performance from Kennesaw State University School of Music in Atlanta, GA. During my studies at Kennesaw State I have performed as concertmaster of KSU Symphony Orchestra for 3 years. In January 2011 I traveled to China as the concertmaster of KSU Symphony Orchestra for a three-concert tour that included a performance at the Central Conservatory in Beijing.
Currently, I am pursuing my Graduate Degree in...

Hello! I'm from Austin, TX and I am currently working on my master's in viola performance at the DePaul University School of Music in Chicago. I completed my bachelor's in music at the University of TX, Butler School of Music. I have played the viola for thirteen years and have always been passionate about building a classical foundation in my playing alongside learning various styles of music. Having attended an arts high school in California, I have played in jazz bands and chamber pop ensembles including the Austin-based band 'Mother Falcon.' Since the age of nine, I have had many great opportunities to attended numerous music festivals across the states including Puerto Rico and abroad in Cambridge England. Along with finishing school, I am freelancing, teaching violin/viola at home and at an elementary school. I just completed my training to become a registered violin/viola Suzuki teacher. I am fairly new to Chicago and have already grown to love the vibrant artistic scene...

Having fun is always awesome, but when you want to get good at something, it takes hard work and dedication. Learning how to play an instrument is one thing, but perfecting your skills is another. I expect my students to practice and improve weekly. All the activities that are offered are a great benefit to the students' learning experience. Not only will they learn how to play violin, but they will also learn responsibility and commitment for things they want to accomplish. I am a current UIC student majoring in Music Performance on violin (BA in progress) and reaching for my Masters in music education. I have taught with the YOURS Project, have done studio work, performed with various orchestras, such as Orbert Davis' Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and The Classical Symphony Orchestra, as well as being soloist at the Chicago Symphony Center. My goal is to make a great musician out of the student, as well as giving them a great learning experience.

After seeing a performance of Itzhak Perlman on TV when I was five, I begged my mom to let me start violin lessons. She agreed, and music became my entire life. I joined musicals, coached a capella groups and, needless to say, became inseparable from my instrument. When faced with the decision of what college I would attend, I based my choice on who my violin teacher would be. Janet Sung was caring, knowledgeable, and pushed me beyond my limits. So after two years, when she told her students she would be moving from our school in New York to DePaul University in Chicago, the decision was clear; I would go to Chicago with her.

I’ve been fortunate enough to win several concerto competitions, receive scholarship, and participate in master classes with renowned musicians such as Glenn Dicterow, Vadim Gluzman, and Neil Dufallo. While working on my degree in violin performance, I fell in love with its larger counterpart, the viola. On viola, I've played in many string quartets,...

Originally from Milwaukee, Max has called Chicago home for the past seven years. Currently, he resides in Logan Square with his wife, Maggie. In addition to pursuing his MMEd degree, Max composes, arranges, teaches, and plays in several Chicago-based bands.
At 30 years old, Max has used his vast musical experience to create a unique style that showcases his musical maturity and versatility. As a multi-instrumentalist, Max’s sound encompasses a broad range. From the rote music tradition of classical violin, to the aural improvisational styles of Jazz and Blues guitar, his musicianship imbues his love for this ancient art form.
Through his early violin studies, Max developed an ear that would lead him to pick up the guitar a few years later. In addition to his private studies with guitarists Bill Martin and Bobby Ferrazza on the guitar and several teachers on the violin, Max attended Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts in Milwaukee where he learned from Michael Betts, and Al...

I started violin at age eight, and I've been playing music ever since. Youth orchestras and strings camps segued into guitar ensembles and pop groups. I started teaching guitar over seven years ago, and violin shortly thereafter. I studied ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago, specializing in American popular music in the 20th century. I am also a performing and recording artist, with over ten records and several national tours under my belt. I can offer my extensive experience, unique musical insight, and personalized lesson plans to help you achieve your musical dreams.

I have been hooked on music since my first violin lesson at the age of 5. The years following have been filled with a number of incredible experiences, from participating in music festivals abroad to developing a passion for teaching violin and viola. I believe music offers a wonderfully unique way to grow and express ourselves at any age or level. It is an experience everyone deserves.

Today, I continue to play violin while studying viola at DePaul University’s School of Music, where I participate in various chamber ensembles as well as the university's Symphony Orchestra.

I have been teaching individual and group lessons for 12+ years. Many of my students have won trophies at the Granquist music competition and also play in local youth orchestras. My own youth string ensemble plays publicly at many popular local venues several times a year. I enjoy exposing my students to the finer points of being a professional musician such as the camaraderie, team work, creativity (creating harmonies, tailoring arrangements to fit student’s level) and of course, stage presence. I am very proud of my students. It is so gratifying to see their confidence build with each new skill they master.

Our passion for music and the search for better have lead us both here. In this moment, our choices are based on the information we have (or don't have). The fact is, I believe that sharing my gift of awareness and love to find truth with my students is more than simple music lessons. It is a journey of self discovery for everyone involved. The student, the parent(s), and myself gain more than just knowledge, but an understanding of life.

2005-2008
As soon as high school graduation was over, I was on tour almost non stop with two different and successful bands playing the piano/bass/vocals and taking an intimate role with the song and lyric writing. Tens of thousands of miles traveled with hundreds of performances from the East coast to the West to play the smallest of venues tucked away in the woods of West Virginia to major music events such as Vans Warped Tour dates, needless to say, I had built up quite an impressive reputation as a rocker, but wanted more structure....