Violin with Cecilia P.

I am a South-american violinist and violin-music teacher who loves music, dancing, arts, nature, and animals. I am a social, kind, caring, persevere and self-disciplined person. I started teaching 9 years ago when I was studying my Bachelor'€™s degree. In my country, I was the teacher of 25 lovely children and youth, with whom I created my own violin studio. It started only with 3 students, and after 7 years we were a wonderful group that performed in different recitals, festivals and trips around our country. Together we learned about violin, classical music, popular music, folk music, singing, etc., but most importantly we learned about sensitivity, sharing, self-discipline, respect, creativity and many other personal skills that music helps us learn in such a joyful way. In Boston, while doing my masters, I also had the opportunity to teach two children in English with new methods I was learning in my string pedagogy course. In addition, I have taught adults and elderly (70-72) to play the violin, and find their smiles and learning process more than satisfying. Finally, I was the music teacher in a kinder garden, and had students from 2 to 4 years old. I like to teach people with different ages because I learn from them and their different needs. I have also had some few students with different abilities such as Down syndrome, Asperger's syndrome and Dwarfism. I cannot say I am an expert but I am open to learn from these students if I have a good orientation and support from the parents and specialists. Right now, after finishing my Master'€™s degree in Boston, I am living in Chicago because my husband is studying his PhD at Northwestern University. I miss teaching and sharing my love for music with others, that is why I really want to find new students that want to join me in their musical journey. *** Lesson Details *** I believe every person is talented and can learn music. I think that the best way to learn music and arts is from the experience, where the person can develop not only music and instrumental skills, but also creativity, originality, joy and love for music. These are skills that are needed to enjoy and learn music, but also to be a more sensitive and rounded person. My goal is to build a professional and positive environment where the person can develop his/her musical abilities as well as his/her personal skills. In order to achieve this goal, it it usually better to have the lessons in my own studio instead of the student's house. That way we can work with a complete music environment and the student can benefit 100% from the music experience. I have learned in the process that regular practice and a consistent schedule encourages not only progress but great motivation. Also, I have found that a experience-based approach helps them keep motivated because the students learn much faster and gain a deeper musical intuition than with a theoretical and approach. I think it is important to give the students the time to talk and share their thoughts about the music. I like to guide them discovering how their bodies feel more comfortable with the instrument, instead of telling them the "correct form". I like to make them clap, sing, move and feel the music before telling them how to play it. I like to introduce music theory and reading from the beginning encouraging them to use their knowledge about music. In addition, I have found that following the literature of more traditional methods with scales and etudes, helps the students to develop completely in their instruments, with a great technical foundation. That is why I like to mix experience-based methods such as Suzuki, Kodaly and Dalcroze, with traditional books such as Essential Elements, Wolfhart, Kreutzer, etc. I usually start with Suzuki, The Blue Book, and some personal material that I create for each student depending on their needs. After a while, I start to introduce some pieces of different parts of the world or different styles while introducing scales and etudes. This way I maintain the student's motivation and give them a broader view of music, while developing important skills for their instrument. Then, when the student is ready, I introduce more difficult pieces and solo repertoire. For adults, I try to adapt my method to their particular goal in music, giving them both fun and the best level they want to achieve. I give them material that is adequate to their needs and also to their preferences. *** Studio Equipment *** I have several materials for children and adults. Music cards, music games, toys, puppets, etc. I also have books to start our journey.However, the student will have to buy his/her own books once we start. I own one 4/4 violin that could be rented for a tall or adult student. I also own a 3/4 violin for rent. Smaller violins would have to be rented or bought. *** Travel Equipment *** I can travel to the student's house with my instrument if it is within my travel limits (5 miles) and if it is accessible via public transportation. *** Specialties *** - Suzuki method mixed with some traditional books and world music. - Experience with Alexander Technique, Dalcroze, and Kodaly. These methods deal with music freedom and tension free techniques. - Music performance work with professional musicians and conservatory student (effective practice, musicianship, tensions, creativity, etc.) - I speak Spanish fluently (that is my mother tongue), and could teach in Spanish if wanted. - Folk dances from Peru: Marinera Norteña, Festejo, Huayno, etc.