Mercedes M.

General Info

• Certified Music Teacher

  Certified Music Teacher

  Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks for the duration of each teacher's employment with us.

  
• Background Check Complete

  Criminal Background Check

  In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.

  
• Levels: Beginner to Advanced

• In-Home Lessons: No
• In-Studio Lessons: Yes
• Ages: 5 & up

Subjects Taught

Violin, Music Performance, Music Theory, Viola

Education

Scottsdale Community College - Equine Science - 2004-2006 (Associate degree received)
Mesa Community College - Music Education - 2006-2010 (Bachelor's degree received)
Ottawa University - Music Education - 2009-2010 (Bachelor's degree received)

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.

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About

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.

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