Figure Skating with Jennifer G.

Jennifer G. is a Professional Violinist. Jennifer grew up playing the violin and studying in the DC area since she was in 4th grade. She owns a blue Barcus Berry electric and/or classical violin with amplified speakers. She has played in numerous Orchestras, a few weddings, recitals and has taught private violin lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. She enjoys playing classical as well as notable rock-n-roll songs on her violin. Jennifer also has played in bands, commercials, films and she directed Anton Yelchin in 'Broken Horses' on how to play the violin for his role *** Lesson Details *** I tend to be a fun, encouraging, relaxed, but firm teacher who pushes my students to practice and do the best they can. The violin tends to be a very frustrating, tricky instrument for some students at first so I tend to be more laid back during the lesson as well as encouraging and giving positive feedback initially in the beginning.There is a lot to learn in the beginning to get the proper technique and habit down correctly. I use the Suzuki book methods as well as other excellent beginning books and teaching tools. I have a lot of different song books and musical pieces as well. I usually warm up with basic scales depending on where the student is at. And learn notes, tuning, rhythms, parts of violin, how to read music, how to properly care for the violin. Tightening the bow for playing and loosing the bow for storage, etc. And the proper way to hold the instrument. And proper bowing techniques. I have a metronome, tuner, own shoulder rest that's the best kind I recommend the Everest adjustable one, good rosin (round kind is better than square kind), music stand (a good sturdy, adjustable kind), lighting, pencils, cloth, etc. that the students should have as well rented, borrowed or owned. And the correct violin size is key for the student's arm length and age. 4/4 size is the 11 yrs. - adult size. 7/8 size Small Teen/adult, 3/4 size 9-12 yrs. 1/2 size 7-9 years, 1/4 5-7 yrs, 1/8 size 4-6 yrs. & 1/16 size 3-5 yrs. are standard, varying sizes depending on age, growth and arms length. I sometimes play along with my students and demonstrate the correct technique. After 3-6 months, you should be able to play a basic scales, varying notes, slurs, rhythms and easy recognizable songs. *** Studio Equipment *** Music stand, lights, pencils, speaker box, recording instruments, metronome, tuner, personal violin again w/ the essentials all students should either buy, borrow or rent like good rosin (the round chalk kind is better than the square type) for the bow hair (scraped with bow tip to make chalky) cloth to wipe the instrument clean, extra strings in case they pop (which is once in a blue moon) tuners and metronome (they have pas for these now too). Finally, a great shoulder rest is key for good equipment and playing. I prefer and highly recommend the adjustable Everest brand collapsible shoulder rest for violins. Adjustable to fit any 4/4, 3/4, or 1/2-size violin. 4/4 is an adult violin. Lastly, I also use an bowing teaching tool called a bow right, tape for fingering when necessary and sometimes bow, frog grips for little ones. *** Travel Equipment *** I have music books, portable music stand, metronome, violin, the Everest adjustable shoulder rest, good rosin, & tuner. And varying teaching tools mentioned above. However, I expect students to eventually rent, borrow, purchase their own violin, music stand and music supplies as mentioned above. I can assist in this. And be reimbursed for some supplies like the music books, fingering tape, proper rosin (round is better than square), extra strings, and bow grips. *** Specialties *** Suzuki methods and classical mainly but I am open to teaching other genres while using all my teaching tools, materials and giving out stickers to the little ones. And having mini recitals for parent(s), friends and family.