San Diego, CA Viola Lessons

rovide a well-rounded learning experience. I enjoy sharing the beauty and creativity of classical music, Irish/world music, hymns/religious pieces, as well as contemporary songs.

My approach to teaching is very holistic, helping to create for each of student a solid foundation of music theory, history, note-reading, and technique while also exposing them to a variety of pieces and genres so they can be better prepared to explore what most interests them.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, music stand, tuner, metronome, flashcards, etudes and exercises, various sheet music, etc.

opera, operetta, and church music. With solid vocal technique my students are able to cross genres with ease, and sing whatever inspires them musically.

I currently play viola with the La Jolla Symphony, and have sung with the San Diego Master Chorale and the San Diego Symphony. I was concertmaster in several symphony orchestras and have played as section leader for viola in numerous groups. I also play in and manage a string quartet and am also currently coaching small group string ensembles. My siblings and I have played in our family string quartet for over 20 years, and still perform together. Most recently I was chosen to record a new song Glow for Disneyland's California Adventure World of Color Winter Dreams.

I am comfortable teaching with various different methods, and cater lesson plans to the individual student. With over 14 years of teaching experience, I have taught students that vary in age from 3 to 75 years old, and am very comfortable with teaching children.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are fun. My philosophy is that students should have music in their lives and benefit from the lessons they take now for years to come. Learning to play a musical instrument will help students with math skills, study habits, and develop a skill that will last for a lifetime.

After 3 months students will understand the fundamentals of their string instrument or voice, know how to care for their instrument, warm up properly, be able to read and play/sing introductory passages. After 6 months the student will have learned basic music theory, how to read music, and have advanced through playing/singing multiple songs.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have a violin and viola that I bring to assist in teaching lessons. I expect that the students provide an instrument and their books. A keyboard or piano is essential for voice students for vocalization. A student need not know how to play piano in order to take voice lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Vocal students are encouraged to pick songs from whatever genre sparks their interest. With violin and viola I use the suzuki method of training and follow the books and lessons, I use other books to supplement scales/technique.

***
Because mother was a piano teacher for over 30 years with contagious passion for music (teaching while I was in the womb and an infant), music was inevitable. At age 5, I began performing solo and in ensembles, and since age 6, I've been a part of the church choir, school ensemble and later the school band, and orchestra. As I entered high school, I decided to become more active and take leadership in the ensembles. I became the Concert Mistress of the symphonic and string orchestra and held onto my first chair until graduation. I also participated in the San Jose Philharmonic Orchestra, as first violinist. I was a first violinist of the Korean American Music Supporters Association (KAMSA), performing a concert at the Disney Concert Hall. Since 1997, I have won countless awards from CWC Annual Music Competitions, California Music Education Association, KTVN Bay Area Annual Music Competitions, Prospect-Westmont String Orchestra voted Most Outstanding Instrumentalist, and passed all levels in both piano and violin in Certificate of Merit (CM) Tests.
I moved to San Diego to study Music Performance at University of California-San Diego. I became the Concert Mistress of the UCSD Chamber Orchestra and look forward to continuing my education for Music Performance, Music Education, and Music Therapy. In my music career, I've worked in senior communities as the music director, conducted orchestras and ensembles, formed and performed in duets, trios, and quartets, in public and private concerts, weddings, nursing homes, etc. I also am a part of an indie rock/bluegrass band (voice and fiddle) recording and performing, as well as a classic rock band (voice, keyboard, violin). In my free time, I compose and transpose for myself as well as for my students who would like to learn an easier version of a piece, different genres like pop songs, movie soundtracks, TV shows, favorite artists, etc.

*** Lesson Plan ***
Mix and match genres and lesson elements: Classical, contemporary, jazz, soundtrack, rock, pop, folk, ensemble, solo, theory, sight-reading, technique, Suzuki, Hanon, etc.
My main priority in every lesson is to make learning an instrument fun and comfortable. I have a plan mapped out for every lesson, for every student. Depending on the student's age, level and preference of genre, I pick out books suitable for each student, and also ask the student to bring in a piece or book they would like to work on. I find it important to make every lesson enjoyable, so it is crucial that the student enjoys the homework assigned when they leave the lesson. I usually begin the lesson with warm-ups, scales, music theory, then continue with reviewing past homework, focusing on posture, rhythm, technique, etc. Lastly, we will sight-read and preview the next pieces to be assigned for homework. Pace is set mostly by the student and how much they practice, but I will always nudge the student to improve in musicianship and posture after every lesson, with patience and perseverance.
[There will be an annual/semi-annual recital, optional but highly recommended for all students!]

** SPECIAL NOTE FOR BEGINNERS **
If your child is a beginner, we will take turns picking songs (i.e. one week "Pirates of the Caribbean" and the next week "Minuet in G" by Bach) to ensure that they practice. I utilize stickers and goal-oriented tasks to have fun and encourage students to maintain their interest and also hold them accountable.
If you're a beginner adult, I will require more self-discipline from you, but you will not be excluded from sticker rewards. ;) We will still pick songs and genres you want to play, with classical and recognizable folk songs to cover the basics.
Whether you are 3 or 83 years old, I look forward to helping you play any instrument with comfort and enjoyment, with the right posture and techniques.

students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed.

I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors.

My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, but I do Not offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing.

A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops.

I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Stand and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.

lps them to gain confidence.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home: Music room w/ piano, guitar, violin, stands, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Music stand if required

*** Specialties ***
Russian traditional and Suzuki methods.

succeed, when after each lesson you feel that you improved your playing and gained new skills, even if its a small one.
Lessons are taught using a Traditional method refer to students learning to read music. Whereas the Suzuki Method students learn by ear which I (might) use for very young students age 3-5. For older students I use certain aspects of the Suzuki method but definitely incorporate basic theory and note reading as early as possible.
All students will have the opportunity and are encouraged to perform in recitals.

AVAILABILITY: The calendar here is not up-to-date and still on a summer schedule. I mostly teach M-Th (depending on my schedule Fr and Sat are possible). Lessons are scheduled on an individual basis based on my schedule and student's availability.Please send me a message what days/times you are looking for, and I'll get back to you. Thanks!