Bel Air, MD Violin Lessons

ts 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.

students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed.

I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors.

My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, but I do Not offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing.

A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops.

I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Stand and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.

and as a teacher, I understand that every student is a little bit different. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. Every student has a different learning style. Every student has a different way of understanding things, a different way of processing information, and a different personality all together. It will be my job as a teacher to get to know each student individually and use my teaching methods to teach the student how to play the violin and help him or her to reach his or her goals.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid-back person. I am easy-going, enthusiastic about violin playing and about teaching and learning music, and I am very patient with my students as well. However, I am also very demanding. I explain and demonstrate objectives in a very precise way, and I demand a lot of detailed work from my students, inside and outside the lesson. I explain specifically what I want the student to do. By the end of every lesson, the student will have specific things to work on for next time. I expect each student to make practicing a habit, and practice regularly what has been discussed in the lesson. I try to make the lessons as pleasant and as laid-back as possible. But I become more firm, serious, and strict when a student either is not making an effort or does not practice enough outside the lesson.
I start students off with the Suzuki method. We work on techniques to hold the violin properly, hold the bow properly, and get a decent sound out of the violin, without too much physical tension. A student begins by learning to play by ear. After he or she is comfortable playing by ear, we associate the notes that the student hears and plays on the violin with written notes on a page.
We also work with the Paul Roland methods so that the student can learn the violin in a basic, rudimentary way. It involves a lot of repetitive patterns, back and forth motions that are slow and round, and avoiding excessive tension. This will give the student the tools that he or she needs to learn how to play the violin in a short period of time.
In three to six months, a student who is a beginner will be able to hold the violin and bow comfortably, create a decent sound on the violin, and play the Twinkle Variations, and maybe a few other songs.
If the student has played violin before, then in three to six months, he or she will have had some rehabilitation to get rid of tension and force, overcome some bad habits he or she may have developed, and review the fundamentals of violin playing. I will improve the student's approach to the violin, and by the end of the three to six months, he or she will have a better idea on how to practice and play the violin.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, seating for parents in the living room,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide a stand.
I will expect the student to have a violin, rosin, and a pencil.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Method- a starting point, particularly for kids, but for people of all ages. It is a good way to begin learning the violin by playing by ear, developing a strong, clear tone, and bringing out one's individuality through his/her musical development and his/her ability to be expressive.

In a matter of time, I want the student to get used to reading music, in addition to playing by ear. This can be done through the pieces in the Suzuki method or through other music.

Eventually, I take the student off of the Suzuki method and work with him or her on classical repertoire.

want if your preferences change. As far as music teachers go, I'd like to think of myself as pretty laid back. I understand that most people have lives outside of music, so we'll go at a pace that is most comfortable for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
I combine the styles of music that you prefer with some kind of method book for reading and theory. No purchasing of music is required. Normal lessons start with the previously assigned material, determining what we need to work on, new material, and ending with things to do at home.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Ample guitars, amps, chairs, and music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a music stand, tuner, metronome, and amplifier if necessary

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical methods - sight-reading, theory, and performance play an integral role in music.

were simpler than the methods taught in class, but I became acutely aware of the need to approach learning from students' point of view in addition to my own. Putting students first calls me to help them directly with their needs and to meet them where they are.

nteresting and fun? You’re right! For the best results you need to enjoy the entire process. That is why my lessons are always easy to understand, interesting and fun.
I would love the opportunity to assist in your growth and development in the musical arts and remember… you’re never too young or too old to start!!!

ed me as inspiring and challenging. I hope to meet you and teach you all the wonderful things about music.