Piano with Loribeth G.

Loribeth G. holds a B.A. in Music (magna cum laude) from Webster University and an M.A. in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Riverside. With 2 degrees in music, one performance-based and one scholarship-based, Loribeth has a deep understanding of the multiple facets of music-making. As a violinist, Loribeth has performed in the Webster University Symphony, the Webster University New Music Ensemble, Kusisqua (Andean Folk Music), numerous chamber ensembles, and as a soloist. With regard to repertoire, she has experience playing both classic and more contemporary works. She has performed in Japan and Mexico as well as numerous cities across the United States. She served as acting principal second violin with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra during the 2013-2014 season and currently performs as a freelance musician for special events. As a scholar, Loribeth has studied and written about music's connections with culture, identity, history, memory, and social politics. Her thesis work focused on Swing and the Japanese American Internment. She has presented her work at a number of academic conferences internationally. As an educator, Loribeth is experienced with teaching students of all ages from diverse social backgrounds. Loribeth began playing violin at age 9. As a student, she studied Western classical music. In addition to her Western classical training, Loribeth's musical experiences include Javanese gamelan, Okinawan sanshin, Taiko, Andean folk music, Bluegrass, and Old-Time fiddling. Through her diverse musical tastes, Loribeth has met and performed with musicians from around the world. -- Teaching Philosophy: Student goals and interests are at the center of my teaching approach. I tailor lesson plans and musical repertoire to each student. However, I believe that developing an experienced musical ear, technique, and musicality are fundamental to good music-making. As such, I am quick to adapt to changing student needs while consistently emphasizing the technical and musical basics. I also believe that music is social - very social. The thing that usually keeps students practicing and playing is engagement with others. As such, I play along with the students at lessons (when appropriate), work on how to play with others, and encourage families to develop a social musical environment in the home to help keep students (and families) making music for life, together.