Best Violin Lessons in Smithton, IL

Instructions are based on custom curriculum for every student. The curriculum is based on student's desires and abilities and compiled from multiple sources.

An experienced and registered Suzuki teacher, my students learn to play violin starting from a solid foundation with emphasis on posture and producing a beautiful tone. In addition to playing the instrument, students can expect to learn reading music, basic theory, music history, and ear training. Learning violin will teach patience, concentration, the value of hard work, coordination, as well as enhancing memory, aural skills, and fine motor control. It was Dr. Suzuki's belief and mine that learning an instrument not only fosters these skills but also helps to foster the hearts and minds of those learning the craft.

I have two graduate degrees in Music Performance. I have taught this subject for over twenty years. I have played as a regular substitute violinist with the Seattle Symphony.

Damien G. received his Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance from Loyola University New Orleans, his Master’s Degree from the University of North Texas, and is currently working on his DMA at the University of North Texas. As an undergrad at Loyola University, Damien toured as a clarinet soloist with the Loyola Chamber Orchestra in Yugoslavia, Hungary, and Vienna. He has been a member of the UNT Wind Symphony , under Eugene Corporan, and the UNT Orchestra, led by Anshel Brusilow. More recently, he has performed at two UNT concerto concerts as a soloist with the UNT chamber orchestra. Damien also has performed with the Contemporary Theater of Dallas along with other freelance activities in the DFW area. His teachers include: Mr. A. Crisanti,Dr. James Gillespie, Dr. John Scott, Steve Cohen, Daryl Coad, and John Reeks.

I use many methods including Suzuki, Kodaly and traditional teachings that include catered practice plans in order to accommodate each student's learning needs. I am very flexible and more than happy to discuss teaching methods and/or special needs with parents and students.

Join me to achieve:

• a solid technical and musical foundation for beginners
• improved technique and increased musical expressiveness for intermediate & advanced players
• support developing strong rhythm and sight-reading skills
• a sense of community with other students and parents during this time of isolation
• confidence and joy in performing

I use a combination of Suzuki approaches, improvisation, Dalcroze-inspired eurythmics, and somatic movement awareness (inspired by Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique) to simultaneously develop fluent musicality, joy in making music, a solid instrumental technique, and musicianship (including reading and theory). A former sufferer of tendonitis, she has a particular interest in addressing and preventing performance injuries, in both beginning and experienced players.

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I’ve had the great pleasure of both studying with and watching Sylvia teach others for several years. She’s kind, patient, and always calm, even through my last-minute