Meriden, CT Violin Lessons

various music schools, summer camps and festivals. A few advanced students have even attended and performed in some of these aforementioned festivals! I am always encouraging my students to go above and beyond.

A bit of background about me: I started my music studies at the age of 7. Lessons and orchestra were literally the highlight of my childhood. I ended up attending the Baltimore School for the Arts for high school, and eventually went on to receive my Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Shenandoah University and complete further studies in England and Northern Ireland. I am also a registered Suzuki Violin/Viola teacher and have attended several teachers workshops in order to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work with any and all types of students, including those with learning disabilities, such as ADD and FAS.

*** Lesson Details ***
While I am a registered Suzuki violin teacher, I do not teach solely out of a certain method or "by the book"; I choose and mold every lesson depending on specific, strengths, weaknesses, etc. If you are a more advanced, serious player, more intensive lessons and repertoire will follow suit.

I am comfortable teaching all ages and levels up to advanced. Use of games make learning the violin fun and accessible for young children. Older and more advanced students receive a more technical, intensive and advanced approach. Coaching and weekly help on school assigned materials (orchestra/string class music and homework) Classical, Jazz, Gypsy and Fiddle styles are all introduced and studied to give students a rounded technique. Music theory (reading and understanding music) is incorporated in lessons. Repertoire is diverse and exciting. Various approaches for the visual or aural learner. Guaranteed to keep you or your child engaged and interested!

*** Travel Equipment/Home Lesson Details ***
-Please have a music stand available and set up for lessons that take place in your home.
-If you are coming to my home for lessons, please be sure to bring your instrument and any books you may already have.

**Please note, there are three cats and a small, affectionate and very friendly Papillon in the house. They are all isolated to a different part of the house during lessons to ensure there are no unnecessary distractions and to help minimize potential allergies (studio is also sprayed with allergy reducer spray and vacuumed regularly). All are UTD on shots. Please call and ask to reschedule a "trial" lesson to see if the animals interfere with allergies.

New students:
I have a trial 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4 size violin to use for the first lesson.
After the first lesson I will send an email explaining what materials and equipment I recommend you buy to help you sound your best.

Places to rent or buy instruments will be recommended upon request.

*** Cancellation/Reschedule Requests ***
1) At least 24 hours notice is required if you need to cancel your, or your child's, lesson. You will be given the option to take a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons on your calendar, or the option to reschedule for a different day within two weeks of the canceled lesson.

2) If you find that you need to cancel with less than 24 hours notice (I completely understand life happens, and sometimes it is unavoidable to provide 24hr notice), you will be given the option to make up your lesson within 7 calendar days of your originally scheduled lesson time. If you cannot do a makeup lesson, this will result in the lesson being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

3) If you do not show up to your lesson scheduled at my home studio on Tilmont Ave and no notice was given, the lesson will be marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson. This also applies to "in-home" lessons-- if you are not home when I arrive and no notice was given, this will result in the lesson also being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

4) If I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson for whatever reason, you will be given an option for a makeup lesson or given a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons.

5) I require two weeks notice if you would like to discontinue lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Violin/Viola Method
Music Theory Tutor
Genres: Classical, fiddle, gypsy, jazz.
Experience teaching ages 3-Adults.

find it rewarding working with beginners and the opportunity to show them the amazing world of listening, playing and making music.

The teaching begins with identifying student's musical needs, goals and tastes. Students are taught a stimulating, thorough, and graduated course of recital solos, theory, technical studies, and classic repertoire. For those wishing to pursue more of a classical approach to music, there are proven methods to accomplish that goal established by European master teachers and pedagogues. Also, I can teach the know-how of Jazz and Blues though gradual lessons that cover basic theory, scales and chords up to melody and harmony development.

*** Lesson Details ***
The learning process should be, for the most part, fun and based upon a strong relationship between the teacher and the student. Curriculum and lesson plans are based on student's abilities and aspirations with appropriate balance between theoretical and practical work. The lesson material is always carefully chosen, and when necessary, adapted to specific learning needs.

With a proper approach, everyone can learn to play music. Whether you want to pursue a music career, or just play for fun and enjoyment I can help you attain your goals. From basic piano and stringed instruments, to advanced theory, harmony, composition and improvisation to jazz, pop and rock.

Classes are not based on a single source or book. I provide other exercises in printed form for students to keep and take home.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two high end digital keyboards, two violins, viola, cello, upright bass, bass guitar and amplifier, music stands, stereo equipment with a large CD collection of just any conceivable music style.. Assorted school instruments: recorder (soprano and tenor), xylophone. Various music charts and a large library of music resources and other books; Extensive e-library and ability to print any required material on the spot. Instant access to many on-line sheet music resources.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Full size and a school grade digital keyboards , bass guitar, amplifier, staff paper and other printed resources, violin, viola, spare parts, maintenance tools and equipment.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Classical, Jazz, Ethnic and Modal music, Composition, Arranging, Harmony, Counterpoint, Advanced Music Theory

lharmonia on volumes of The Voice of the Composer: New Music from Bowling Green ​on Albany Records. Furthermore, she has performed for the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Ms. Mapua has worked with conductors Robert Spano, Donald Runnicles, Carl St. Clair, Mei-Ann Chen, Gilbert Varga, Jung-Ho Pak, and Keith Lockhart.

Her solo engagements include Hindemith's Trauermusik with Michael Alexander conducting at Kennesaw State University in 2010. She has also performed at Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the National Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, and Madeline Island Chamber Music. Ms. Mapua has played in master classes for a number of musicians, including Lembi Veskimets, Peter Slowik, Erika Eckert, Phillip Ying, and Sheila Browne. She has worked with members of the Ariel Quartet, the Chiara String Quartet, and the Arianna Quartet. The National Federation of Music Clubs recognized her achievements with the Rose Thomas Smith Award. In 2016, she received her Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance at DePaul University, where she studied with Rami Solomonow and Doyle Armbrust. Additionally, she studied with Matthew Daline and Allyson Fleck. She graduated with her Master of Music degree in performance at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2018. Currently, she studies with Edward Gazouleas.