Peoria, AZ Viola Lessons

The viola is more than just a "big violin". It has idiosyncrasies that make the mechanics of playing it different. If you are switching from violin to viola, you'll need some help in adjusting to the bigger scale of everything, especially the bowing technique.

It's such a beautiful instrument, full of warmth and depth for those willing to explore it. Viola lessons include theory, technique, repertoire and working with your physiology to find just the right hold.

Whether you're a beginner, advanced player, or just want to learn new techniques and different styles of music, I can help you reach your goals and have fun with your instrument!

The viola is my main instrument. I have been teaching viola for over twenty five years. I teach both traditional western methods and Suzuki style. I have a Doctorate in the Viola. I am very experienced teaching all ages and levels. I teach out of my home studio in Scottsdale. If you have ever dreamed of learning to play music, I can help you make that dream come true.

I am a string specialist. That means I teach and play violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, ukulele and piano. I earned B.A. earned from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley Colorado where I was a double major in classical guitar and double bass. In my senior year I was the recipient of the Annual Concerto Contest where I performed the "Concerto in A Major" on double bass with the University orchestra for the spring concert. I have played in both professional and semi-professional orchestras in Colorado and Arizona. I believe that any student will practice more if he or she likes the music they are playing. Periodically I will ask a student to give me a name of a piece of music that they would like to learn how to play. I notate it for them, often simplifying the rhythm and chords in Finale NotePad and give it to them free of charge. I teach students how to play music on their given instrument. Not just how to play the instrument but working on ...

I have been playing the viola since high school and use the same principles to teach viola that I use to teach the violin. The instruments are very similar as far as technique and beginning repertoire.

I've been teaching viola for 15 years and my students have gone on to compete in concerto competitions and play in youth orchestras. During our first lessons, we will address posture, simple rhythms, and scales. As you gain confidence we will build your repertoire. I can also accompany you on piano. I teach step-by-step and am very organized. I use Essential Elements, Suzuki, Hrimaly, Wolfhart. I work with students of many different ages and abilities, and it would be my pleasure to teach you!

My students in the past have described me as fun and inspiring. I always do my best to ensure that my students are being challenged to their highest potential. I inspire confidence in students and my love of music is contagious! My focus is always the student and I will go the extra mile to ensure that young aspiring musicians reach their dreams. Whether you are yearning for the most advanced violin techniques or are just learning to play Twinkle, I can help you reach your goal.

Each lesson is catered to the individual student and all students are held to an appropriately high standard.  Students not only learn how to play their instrument, but also proper technique, performance etiquitte, and music theory.  Lessons are available to students of all ages and musical backgrounds.

I started playing the viola when I was 8 years old. I started when I was in elementary school. From then on, I started learning the Suzuki Method and continued on into high school. I was a music performance major. I briefly went to University of Iowa, attended Eastern Washington University and Walla Walla University. Some of my teachers included Maria Zlateva, John Owen, Dr. Philip Baldwin and John Marshall. Unlike other players I have never played the violin so I understand the physical struggles that a violist deals with on a daily basis.

In addition to my Violin training, I have taken viola lessons and have taught viola since moving to Ohio.