Classically Trained, Certified Music Teacher Offering Viola and Violin Lessons

About Me

My Teaching Philosophy
Learning music is a rewarding experience in many different ways. It is most important to me for students to have fun, learn self-discipline, and learn the technical skills they need to express themselves through music.

My Education
I have been playing and studying music since I was 9 years old. I joined my school orchestra to play viola and I was instantly hooked! As a young student, I participated in many orchestras in the area such as Mesa Young People's ... Orchestra and the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. I studied and taught students through high school, and in college made the decision that music would be my life! I now have my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Ottawa University, and also teach Strings in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

I also play with the Arizona String Quartet, which is a performing group that plays live performances as well as studio recordings, and Mesa Community College Orchestra.

Lesson Details

I like to keep lessons consistent and structured. Everyday we review what was learned and assigned previously, work on new material (usually consisting of a scale or two, an etude, a classical piece and a piece of student's choice). Material is introduced in a way that students can build on skills they've previously learned, and the pacing is tailored to each individual student to make sure that they absorb information and build the foundation of skills they will need to appreciate ... and succeed in music.

Beginning Students
After 3-6 months, students will be able to play 3 to 4 basic rhythm patterns and enough notes to start playing new and familiar 3-4 line pieces of music. We will play duets for teacher and student, and work on basic position, posture and technique. Students who learn quickly and are dedicated will have performance opportunities with and without accompaniment.

Intermediate Students
We will continue to work on technique and refining the left and right hand proficiency. I introduce more advanced theory and we begin to work on basic improvising techniques. Students begin to prepare more advanced major and minor scales and pieces specific to the typical repertoire for their instrument.

Advanced Students
Students work on 3-octave major and minor scales and lessons are centered around the technical skills needed for Regional and All-State competitions and preparing for college entrance auditions, if desired. More advanced improvising as well as composing skills are developed. Students may also choose to explore a secondary instrument and learn teaching techniques that may be helpful in their exploration as music as a career.

Mercedes has been a private music instructor for TakeLessons since 2010. Mercedes is a certified local music teacher.

How It Works

Lessons are paid for in advance and purchased through our monthly or quarterly plans. All plans come with our 100% Money Back Guarantee. We accept payment via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover), debit card or electronic check.

Monthly Plan

Schedule and pay for lessons on a month to month basis. Lessons are paid for and scheduled on the 25th of every month.
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Quarterly Plan

Purchase 12 lessons upfront and receive your 13th lesson for free. Over the course of a year, you receive a month of free lessons!
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Pricing

Lesson rates vary depending on the length of the lesson (we offer 30, 45, 60, and 90 minute lessons), and the actual location of the lesson (we offer lessons in your home or our teacher's studio). Lessons are paid for in advance by Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Sorry, no cash.

Please call 877-231-8505 for details.