Laurel, FL Viola 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 went on to receive my Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Shenandoah University and complete further studies in England, Northern Ireland and Maryland (UMBC graduate certificate). I am also a registered Suzuki Violin/Viola teacher and have attended many 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!

*** Equipment and Studio Lesson Details ***

-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 in the house. They are usually 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 schedule a "trial" lesson to see if the animals interfere with allergies.

New students:
You may park on the Clayton Rd outside our house or on the cul-de-sac next to the house and walk down.
I have a trial 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 size violin to use for the first lesson if your child is a beginner.
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 a week 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 and no notice was given, the lesson will be 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 to discontinue lessons if you would like to receive a refund or be exempt from paying future tuition.

6) All lessons are billed ahead of schedule and must be paid in advance in order to keep your lesson slot.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Violin/Viola Method
Music Theory Tutor
Genres: Classical, fiddle.
Experience teaching ages 4-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

do. She earned her Masters in Violin Performance from the University of Nevada, studying with Philip Ruder, and Bachelors of Music under Kathryn Lucktenberg at the University of Oregon. Additionally, she studied viola with Yuval Gotlibovitch at Indiana University during her doctoral program in Ethnomusicology.

ritten for her: Countdown by Simeon Goode, and Fever Pitch by Sarah Wallin Huff. Ms. Van Houten recently recorded Fever Pitch in mid-March 2018, written for her by Sarah Wallin Huff. The piece is to be released on Sarah Wallin Huff’s upcoming album featuring her Leviathan six-string electric violin concerto. In the Spring of 2019, Ms. Van Houten is slated to be the second violist to perform Julia Adolphe’s Unearth, Release, with special permission from both Ms. Adolphe, and Cynthia Phelps – principal violist of the New York Philharmonic.

In the Fall of 2016, Ms. Van Houten received an Honorable Mention in the Intermediate division of the Parness Concerto Competition – the only violist to place in any division of the competition in several years – and has also won first place in the viola division of the Satori Strings Competition. Ms. Van Houten has held Principal positions in orchestras such as the Azusa Pacific University Symphony Orchestra, the Azusa Pacific University Studio Orchestra, the Azusa Pacific University Choir and Orchestra, the CSUN Youth Philharmonic, the Grace Baptist Symphony Orchestra, and the Sande Strings Youth Orchestra. She has also held the title of Associate Principal Viola of the Azusa Pacific University Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Clarita Philharmonic. In The summer of 2018, Ms. Van Houten attended the Music Mountain Academy festival in Falls Village, CT. At this festival, Ms. Van Houten studied with members of the Verona Quartet, Charles Niedich, and Peter Winograd.

the viola section of that orchestra. I use a comprehensive set of books that teach theory, rhythm and pieces that I use to teach students how to prepare and perform "performance ready" pieces.

es or practice space of their choice as the main root of discontinuity in studies is the lack of support and passion. Feel free to contact me at anytime should any questions arise and remember, music is about having fun, so let's have fun!

to week. I can teach from the very first lesson on. Students will learn techniques to improve their playing and will play fun music. If you are interested in learning improvisation, I can help with that, too. I enjoy teaching violin, viola and cello.
I am most passionate about teaching students to become independent, critical thinking musicians who will be able to rely on their own knowledge to learn new music as they go along. I stress music reading, ear training, and strong fundamentals in playing. I am very encouraging, love spreading my love of music.