San Jose, CA Viola Lessons

ights.

Shannon has been a faculty member at various colleges, is currently Adjunct Professor of Music at Brazosport College, and also has an active private studio, Leigh Studios. She is the College Music Society South-Central Regional President; and is an Advisory Board member for the Houston Flute Club.

Shannon received her Masters of Music degree in Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and received her B.A. degree in Performance, and B.S. degree in Music-Business from Winona State University, and has studied with world-renowned instructors.

Shannon has received grants for her work, from the Minnesota State Arts Board, American Federation of Musicians, Rome Festival Orchestra, and the Winona Music Guild, and was the 1997 recipient of the Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award.

Shannon is also a sponsored triathlete and trainer/coach/race director, and gives workshops on the importance of healthy living, nutrition and exercise for musicians. She is a board member for The Lake Charles Triathletes. And she is a strong advocate for music, health, and triathlon. Sponsors: Maggie Martinez-LMT, Eating for Performance, Bikesport, DeSoto Sport, Gu Performance Energy, Rudy Project, Amit Jethva-DDS, Leigh Enterprises. Her primary sports growing up were track, gymnastics, and cycling.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easy going. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease, but we do need to focus and can have fun doing it. :)
I utilize various methods for each instrument, which is determined by the students learning style and ability; needs, so this can change as time goes on (not sticking to one particular publishers materials). I have done (and continue to do) extensive research into materials available for each instrument I teach, and supplement with my own, to utilize the best out there for "YOU" for the best possible progress. While ensuring an extremely well-rounded musical education, so you can progress at the best possible rate. Since each student's potential is different, each will progress differently. This is also determined by your dedication to daily practice (the more you practice, the quicker you will progress & the more accomplished you will become). This is a 'Team Effort'; I give the guidance and tools. You practice, utilize learn these tools, and off we go! The sky is the limit!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz
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FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Specialist in Exercise Therapy, and running / multisport (swim/bike/run) coach for 15 years.

She is a sponsored athlete, and a 2018 World Championship Qualifier and Participant in Denmark, representing Team USA, and has also placed in her age group at numerous endurance events.

She applies her years of teaching experience to helping you reach your physical and nutritional goals, to be the healthiest you can be. She's not for quick fixes/results. It's all about a transformational lifestyle change. Enjoy the journey! It's well worth it! (see info above).

ongly believe that music has the power to change lives – to enhance the social, cultural and spiritual lives of people, and serve as a profound medium of personal expression. Professional perform experience: The Chicago, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Three tours with Moody Blues, YoYo Ma etc....
The most important thing I look for in a student is communication skills, as well as talent. I like to nurture students and help identify their individual strengths, which is a key factor in shaping a musical persona that will make its mark both on and offstage. I do not advocate a uniform technique for all students. Physical differences and learning styles are always taken into consideration. Potential is as important to me as early achievements and experience. My goal is to help students become self-sufficient, discriminating artists. I discuss practice techniques often and develop individualized scale routines. I encourage initiative and expressive musicality as well as precision. Above all, music needs to bring obvious joy to the student, regardless of the difficulties.”

*** Lesson Details ***
I use Suzuki and traditional method for my students... for Suzuki beginner they will play a song in four days....

*** Studio Equipment ***
In-Studio- Lessons in separate music lesson room, piano and violin are available. Students and parents will enjoy comfortable and clean studio environment with recent remodeled new hard wood floor and studio patio window over looking at beautiful garden. Free WiFi available for parents while waiting during the lesson appointment.
University of St Francis Joliet- can teach in rehearsal rooms at the university.
Online class at world class teaching studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
violin, viola, cello, piano and guitar

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Suzuki teaching method for beginners, traditional conservatory method for intermediate and Royal conservatory recital program for advanced level students..I also teach orchestration program to help students prepare their auditions for major symphonies through out the country including Chicago symphony orchestra etc...

sses in New Mexico high schools to Elementary students in Japan to a variety of private students of various musical instruments and genres everywhere I've been. Since relocating to the Bay Area in 2010, I've had the pleasure of working with lots of great students from kids to adults with a wide range of ambitions. Since 2012 I've been running my own full time studio.

Philosophy of Learning

Lessons are generally designed to work towards giving students the tools to accomplish their goals and become increasingly independent over time. While all students will study similar fundamentals regarding technique, theory, and performance, every lesson is as different as every person. What kind of music do you want to make? I'll tell you what you need to do to get there, and help you take the steps to achieve your aspirations.

I also love to help students put together a song, record, and produce it for them so that they can have a recording to share with their friends and family.

I also hold events for my students. (Check out our pictures and videos below!)
Younger students have opportunities to perform for friends and family at my studio every few months. Once or twice a year we'll also stage a larger event off site for more individual students and bands classes to perform.
Adult students also occasionally have events where they get a chance to get together and play music as well.

Aside from in-studio lessons, students also have the option to sign up for online lessons via Skype.
(*Online lessons offered during different times than in-studio lessons.)

*Unfortunately due to scheduling issues, I'm not currently accepting students for bi-weekly lessons. I can do regular weekly lessons, or occasional drop-in lessons, but bi-weekly appointments make it really hard for me to give the best scheduled times to my existing weekly students. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.

My studio is equipped with:

*Music Stands

*A P.A. System

*Vocal and instrument microphones

*Guitars, Basses, Ukulele, Banjos, etc

*Two guitar amps and a bass amp

*Various percussion including a fully equipped acoustic drum set

*A Roland V-Drums electronic drum set

*An electric piano console and Yamaha organ

*A MicroKorg Synthesizer

*A Tuba, Trombone, Cornet, Saxophone, and Flute

*An extensive physical and virtual music library

*A recording system that students are not only welcome to use but encouraged to

*HD Webcam and condenser microphone for high fidelity online lessons via Skype

ickly learn the basics and start playing familiar melodies. I teach memorization techniques to develop a performing repertoire.
In addition, my students develop abilities in rhythm, melody, harmony, understanding of theory, and improvisation. I also help with school orchestra practice and audition preparation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Dedicated Music Space, desk, piano, recording equipment, music stands, couch for parents to observe and wait or participate.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to provide their own violin and bow, music stand and a notebook. Students may also need to purchase sheet music/music books. I will provide basic recording equipment (audio and video), and pre-recorded piano or orchestra accompaniment. A live piano accompanist is available for recitals and pre-recital rehearsals.

*** Specialties ***
Classical Violin, Viola
Fiddle - Klezmer, American, Celtic
Piano - beginning and intermediate levels
Music Theory, Ear Training, Sight Reading, Improvisation.

a unique and extremely well rounded musician. Currently Armen resides in Los Angeles, CA where he is active with various orchestras, including the LA Opera.

He also routinely performs for sound track recordings with the major motion picture companies. In addition, Armen has worked with many well-known artists including Ray Charles, Barry White, Yanni, Sarah Brightman, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Here is a list of artists Armen M. has performed with: Yanni, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Olga Tañon, Jose-Jose, Lucero, Cristian Castro, Alanis Morissette and Marco Antonio Solis.

We are on!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very strict and laid back at the same time. I pay a lot of attention to the technical detailes

.The curriculum is based on the level the student is presently. It reneges from simple scale books to Paganini caprices.

I encourage every student to have at list two recitals a year. Lessons are very intense and productive and i welcome you to my studio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1) Music room w/ piano and seating for parents

2) Office room w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
violin and music

*** Specialties ***
European/Russian violin school

in numerous pit orchestras for musicals.
I have been in choirs and soloing since I can remember. I have performed and soloed in choirs such as the Yuba-Sutter Oratorio Society, CSUS Chamber Choir, the CSUS Women's Choir and more. I have toured to Victoria, Montreal, Ottowa, Oregon and Washington. I have also been in opera productions such as The Magic Flute, Peleas and Melisande and Die Fledermaus (The Bat) with CSUS Opera. I am a recent recipient of the Saturday Club Scholarship, a prestigious award, and have won many competitions (some repeatedly) both vocally and with violin, such as the Tri-County Competition, Young Artist Competitions, and the California Soloist and Ensemble Competitions. Additionally, I have performed musical theater repertoire and have performed as lead in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast and Into the Woods. I have also soloed repeatedly with the Yuba College jazz band and at churches all around.
I have earned my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from CSU Sacramento. I have my Associates Degrees in both Music and Early Childhood Education from Yuba College. Additionally, I have obtained my certificate of completion of training from Music Together, an organization which trains teachers to teach Basic Music Competence (both in tonality and meter), and am currently teaching this curriculum.
I have been teaching music privately for over ten years to all ages, genders and abilities. Additionally, I have taught ages 0-5 years in a preschool setting for 7 years and am extremely familiar with developmentally appropriate practices for both preschool and school age, as I am a site supervisor at a child development center with a preschool and after school program. I have had many adult students as well and encourage adults to enrich their lives with music at any age! Additionally, I have experience teaching parent child classes and am familiar with how to teach to the particular needs of each family and student.
I'm extremely excited and looking forward to growing as a professional, both teaching and performing, in both the areas of violin and voice and to be instrumental in your musical growth too; I can't wait to share my passion with you and to ignite your passion for music too!

*** Lesson Details ***
I have been teaching since 2002 and have loved every minute of it! I teach all ages. I tailor my style of teaching to each student's goals and to what works for you. If you want to learn Taylor Swift music, I won't be giving you arias. On the other hand, if you wish to study classically, I have repertoire appropriate for you. I teach fiddle, classical, orchestral, 20th century and more for violin students and have experience with jazz, classical, musical theater, pop, religious, spiritual, choral, 20th century and more vocally.
For violin students, I use the Suzuki method as a pushing off point, a tried and true method used in many countries across the world, though I have other repertoire including fiddle, orchestra, small ensemble, solo, concertos, Christmas, and more. For vocalist, I start with the book, Adventures in Singing. I also have warm ups and exercises to keep you vocally healthy. I will teach you anything you want to learn! I also teach how to read music, theory and harmony, depending on your interest and tailored to your current skill level.
I am encouraging and knowledgeable. I will meet you at your current level, be that beginner, intermediate, or advanced. My students can look forward to being encouraged and growing through their time with me. I don't have preset ideas about where you should be in 3-6 months, nor do I have a one size fits all teaching style. Instead, I will work with you individually so that you will become the best musician you can be, meet your goals, and increase your enjoyment and appreciation for music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in open space, upright piano, digital piano, music stands, metronome, violins available for rent, music, staff paper and computer

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect my students to provide the instrument with all of it's accessories (ie shoulder rest, rosin, bow and case) along with the appropriate level Suzuki book. I have instruments available for rent. My voice students should bring their own music also. I have a piano in my studio along with music stands. Of course, every student must have a pencil and come ready to have fun learning! :)

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki, solfege, art songs and arias, reading music, fiddle, classical, healthy vocal technique and musical theater. I am very good at working with any age.

practice is crucial if you are looking to advance in your craft.

I always hope to open the eyes of my students and teach that confidence, determination and hard work can not only progress them in learning an instrument, but with most skills in life. Most importantly I never want my students to feel that music is a burden! I want them to always enjoy themselves when they are practicing or performing.

I don't provide instruments or the accessories that go along with it, so please be prepared to have those things before our first lesson. I may also provide a list of sheet music to order after our first lesson if I feel we do not have the necessary materials.

I only travel to homes in the city of San Francisco for lessons at least an hour in length. If you live outside of the city in the Bay Area, you are more then welcome to find a time to come to my studio for lessons.

I do not teach beginners online (via Skype), as I believe it is vital to have an instructor in the room in order to make physical adjustments to maintain proper bow hold, posture, and left hand positioning. I'm more than happy to teach intermediate-advanced students online!

My Performance Bio:

Sam is a native born South Dakotan who began his viola studies at the age of ten. He started taking private lessons at the age of fourteen with his teachers Coral White, and Carol Knowles. Eventually, at the age of eighteen, he continued his studies with Kate Weeks in South Dakota.

Sam is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where he studied viola with Jodi Levitz. He worked closely with Mark Sokol and Bettina Mussemeli as chamber music professors, and studied orchestral excerpts with Katie Kadarauch, Don Erlich, Scott Sandmeier and Adam Smyla. He has performed in master classes for David Kim, Helen Callus, Jay Liu, Jonathan Vinocour, Jerzy Kosmala, Hank Dutt, William Goodwin, Jackie Schwandt, and Kelly Hall-Tompkins.

Mr. Sam was the principle violist of the South Dakota All State Orchestra from 2007-2009, principle violist of the J. Laiten Weed Honors Orchestra from 2008-2010, and associate principal of the Black Hills Symphony from 2006-2010. In 2008, he was the 1st prize winner of the Lucy Palermo Weed String Competition, and won South Dakota's ASTA viola division. Two years later, he received the Henry Charles Smith Award in the SDSO's Young Musician's Competition, and also claimed 2nd prize in the BHSO's Young Artist Competition. Sam is also the former principle violist of the San Francisco Youth Orchestra which toured Germany, Austria and Luxembourg in the summer of 2012. Featured performances took place in the concert halls at the Gastieg in Munich, Berlin Philharmonic and at the Rheingau Musik Festival. In 2013-2014, Sam was the principle violist of the San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra.

In 2011-2012, he was invited in to the Orlando Chamber Soloists, which is now known as the Chamber Music Festival of the Black Hills. In summer of 2015, he joined UFOMT as a violinist and violist performing operas, musicals, orchestral programs, and a chamber music series. Recently, he began performing with the band Evanescence. In summer of 2018, he was invited to join the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a guest artist in a workshop for young composers. He currently works throughout the San Francisco Bay Area as a teacher, soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician.

His dream is to revive interest in Western Art Music so that is once again accessible to every human who is curious. He never wants music to be a burden for his students, and hopes that teaching the benefits of preparation, confidence, focus and determination can inspire his students in all areas of their lives. He loves working with his students on what they are interested in, and aims to enhance them with the technical and musical facility they need in order to play beautifully.

ss the United States at events such as the International Trumpet Guild Conference. He currently serves as the Albemarle Road Middle School and Crestdale Middle School Director of Strings as well as teaching private lessons in wind and string instruments. He is a member of the National Association for Music Educators, the International Trumpet Guild, as well as the American String Teachers Association.

would like to learn.

I am almost entirely classically trained, and by this nature I will focus on more classical aspects of music, though I always love to teach more contemporary aspects of music and learn right along with my students!