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.

so taught music as a camp counselor, college tutor, and workshop leader. Whether you are looking to pick up a brand new instrument, learn a new style, or work on improving on what you already know, Kathryn can help you reach your goals.

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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.

based on helping students become aware of their motor movements, particularly in their arms, wrists, hands, and fingers.

This rigorous training in violin technique is accompanied by precise instructions on how the student should move around on the violin. This helps to assure that the student learns right from the start how to play in tune. Within several weeks of starting out, students are able to play short pieces for their families and friends.

I also have a great sense of humor and am a very good communicator. In addition to the three volumes of solo studies I have composed, I assign duets to students, including 24 of my own compositions. Duets allow students to play alongside me and discover how to match their harmonies and rhythms with mine.

As students advance, I also assign them bowing and double-stop exercises. My method teaches students to read music gradually, introducing a few notes at a time.

For all of the studies that I have written (which form the core of the curriculum), I provide students with access to Mp3 files on the Internet so that they can listen to the pieces. This allows them to learn the pieces by ear, to complement their music reading skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
For students who come to my home studio, I provide a quiet place in which we can work, free from distractions. There are chairs and music stands, a piano, and a vast library of violin music.

*** Travel Equipment ***
A music stand and music. I expect my students to have their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
I have developed studies based on principles of motor memory to help students learn to play in tune. I am primarily a classical violinist but also play and teach popular tunes and improvisation.

history, theory and music appreciation. My students enjoy discovering and strengthening their talents through my encouragement-oriented and patient guidance. I accept students of any level, starting from age 5 to adults. My students have won auditions to youth orchestras and colleges and some are now professional musician themselves. Whether you are learning for pleasure or for life goals, my studio is open to all.