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Levels: Beginner to Advanced
In-Home Lessons: No
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Ages: 5 & up
Subjects Taught
Violin, Music Performance, Music Theory, Viola
Education
Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University - Violin Performance - Aug. 2011-May 2013 (expected)
Boston College - Music - Sep. 2007-May 2011 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
While I was trained primarily in the classical style, I also have basic knowledge of jazz performance and some fiddle/folk music. I would consider traditional classical music to be my specialty. However, I am certainly willing to teach whatever style is desired to the best of my ability!
On the "Pics & Media" page, there are several pictures of my home studio. I also included a photo of my wonderful French violin, made in 1899 by Maurice Mermillot. The last picture is a shot of
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myself and David Halen, concertmaster of the St. Louis Symphony. It was taken last summer at the Aspen Music Festival where we played a concert together. I've also included some short audio clips of myself playing in a variety of different styles, including classical, jazz, and a little improvisation!
When asked if I am “strict” or “laid back” in my lessons, I always reply that I am neither! Violin lessons should not be based around the mood of the teacher or the student. I think that lessons should be both enjoyable and musically stimulating no matter what.
When I teach, I am always patient, polite, firm and extremely clear on what is needed to play the violin. It is up to the student to decide what to do with the information I provide. I NEVER get frustrated during
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lessons!
My students choose their own musical path by deciding their own levels of interest and preparedness on their instrument. I strongly push students to be responsible for themselves! I would rather have a student who independently chooses to practice infrequently than a student is is "forced" to practice more than they like. It is true that students need motivation. But motivation is quite different from pushing a student too hard. If a student if forced to do something they hate, it ultimately turns them away from the beautiful challenge of learning an instrument.
My most successful students have been those who understand that lessons are a two way street - a dialogue and conversation between two *equals*. As a result, there is a sense of ownership and pride among my students that is not often found elsewhere.
I teach each student differently based on their own strengths and weaknesses. It makes no sense to have a strict teaching method when every musician (or future musician) is different. Therefore, I always try to customize my teaching to the individual. That said, there are a few points I have found to be very helpful for my entire studio.
1. I will always be respectful of the work you have done and the piece at hand. I will NEVER scream or yell, and I will always work with you to improve your musicianship in a thoughtful and considerate manner.
2. In return, I ask that you respect the lesson environment by listening carefully during lessons, practicing diligently on your own, coming prepared to each lesson, and asking intelligent questions when appropriate.
3. If something is not working for you, please tell me! I promise I won’t be upset! My only job is to help you understand the beauty of the music and to help you enjoy your instrument. If those things are secure, then improvement and progress will fall into place so easily it will make your head spin. But I cannot help you if you aren’t direct and clear with me about your thoughts and problems. So clear, open, and fearless communication is a must!
4. After being a part of my studio for long enough, my students always become proud of their work and their developing understanding of music. They are well-trained in the art of performance (which is totally different from playing in a studio or at home!). They are willing and able to demonstrate their skills in front of others. Most importantly, they are happy and excited to continue with their instrument.
Most of my students need no encouragement to practice after some time because they become self-motivated and more reliant on themselves as individuals. That is by far the most important thing one can learn.
I am deeply passionate about music. I grew up listening to music all around me, and I have never stopped loving it and dedicating myself to it. And because I want to share my love of music with the next generation of young musicians, I am equally passionate about teaching!
I believe that my musical abilities are meaningless unless I pass on what I have learned. I believe that everyone, regardless of talent, economic background, or experience, has the right and ability to discover music and
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learn whatever instrument they choose. Even though most people agree learning to play any instrument is a difficult undertaking, I believe that everyone has the potential to do so.
Anytime my students become excited about what they are playing, I automatically become excited as well. I find teaching to be fun, infectious, nurturing and eye-opening for my students and myself alike. The traditional model of teaching holds the teacher above the student as a critic that judges every move the student makes. I believe that teaching is an equal partnership. I believe in fairness and equality between myself and my students. They are not better than me, and I am not better than them. We are in this together!
With this in mind, my lessons tend to be exciting, fast-paced, and definitely lots of fun! (And those are my students' words, not mine!) I rarely have to remind my students to practice because they become self-motivated rather quickly after a few lessons with me. I always aim to point out the beauty and enjoyment in music - and once my students get a glimpse of that, their entire perspective towards practicing is changed.
If you or your child are interested in doing away with the old model of teaching (which I find to be tense and stressful on both sides), I look forward to meeting you!