Bushwood, MD Viola Lessons

ram specifically for their needs, from working through simple bowing mechanics issues to the psychology of performance. Each student has different challenges to overcome, and simply using a one-size fits all approach is not going to help them.

I pride myself in being flexible and available to to my students for questions, whenever they may need to ask them. I believe that you shouldn't have to wait for the next lesson to have the question answered that may just make the pieces start coming together a bit quicker for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
A typical lesson consists of checking student's progress, addressing any immediate issues and working on skill building.

OK, so those are the basics, but what happens is so much more than that! One student may have trouble hitting a C#, so we'll work on those. Another may have trouble relaxing, we might spend some time on breathing exercises to help with that. Still another might have a death grip on the neck of their instrument, so we'll do some exercises to help relax their hands.

My goal is to help students get well on their way to a lifetime love of learning and making music.

In 3-6 months, they should be:
* Reading music consistently at a level appropriate to their progress.
* Developing an understanding of rhythm and meter.
* Placing their fingers properly, and reliably for the most part.
* Developing correct posture and holding their instrument and bow in a relaxed manner that suits their body type and facilitates the freedom of movement required for great music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
music stand, music

*** Travel Equipment ***
Viola or violin, music stand, music.

*** Specialties ***
Classically trained, but I realize not everyone learns the same way, so a hardcore theory based approach is not always the right choice. We work together to develop a plan that will work and help foster a love of making music.

I specialize in working with kids of all ages. Don't we all have a little kid inside us just itching to get out and play?

. I can help you understand what is going on behind the music and hopefully see what the composer was hoping to convey, if that is something you want to know. When I was a student I always wanted to know "why?". As a teacher, you will know why if I do.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep my lesson area as stress free as possible. It's OK to make mistakes in my studio. I would like you to bring a notebook to lessons as well as your music and instrument. I write as much as I can down because if you were like I was during lessons, I would forget everything I was supposed to be watching for after 3 days. Like I said above, we move at your pace. The more you practice, the faster we move. Questions are a good thing. It shows interest. But sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and just take the leap of faith.
We start with note reading as well as proper form and the parts of the instrument. We also deal with general care. I will tune your instrument every time you come in for lessons until you learn how to tune it yourself. We will review the day before, I will check on what work you've done and then move onto the next song/ technique etc. After we learn how to pluck the first 8 notes, we start with scales and bowing.

After that we move through the "usual" routine. Scale, etude, song(s) or school test songs, audition requirements etc.

I try to keep the same routine because for some students it's easier for them to focus if they know the lesson is going to move in a familiar way. It's reassuring. After we become proficient in the basics, we move into whatever genre you would like to play, within reason. If you are in the school orchestra we will work towards you getting an A.

I would say I'm more laid back when you are not preparing for an audition. Auditions require a lot of work and I want you to do as close to perfect as possible. I become fairly demanding during that time.

In about 6 months, you can play almost any tune you can hear on the radio. Explaining where you could be gets fairly technical and I might as well be talking like Charlie Brown's teacher.

*** Studio Equipment ***
at the away studio: music, music stand, stool, piano, laptop, tuner, metronome.

at home: music, music stands, chairs, computer, laptop, keyboard, microphone, tuner, metronome.

pictures of the away studio are posted.

*** Specialties ***
I am familiar with Paul Rolland's work, Valerie Bobbett Gardner's Violin Virtuosity, as well as Guillespie's. I was brought up Suzuki but haven't been trained in Suzuki. I have taken classes on how to teach to a variety of students so I could hold a teaching license in the state. I do participate with (Canadian) The Royal Conservatory of Music Music Development. This is active in the US also.

Special note: If you are allergic to cats, you will want to take lessons at my other studio location, not at the home.

IF you are contacting me with questions, please include either take lessons or lessons in the subject area so I can find you faster. I get a lot of junk mail and it is easy for me to miss a note from you.

The student should have his/her own instrument, so they can practice regularly.

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Classical, Pop, Inspirational, Sacred, Wedding, etcetera

d in the Spring of 2008. I learned how to write acoustic and electronic music as well as studio recording processes.

I worked for the Walt Disney Company through the College Program after which I became a campus representative on Disney's behalf. My performances with the Disney Company include: 1st Violin for the Encore Cast Choir and Orchestra at E.P.C.O.T. in July 2007 and as Mrs. Armstrong for S.T.A.G.E.'s 2007 Christmas Pageant, performed in E.P.C.O.T. December 13-16 in the Circle of Life Pavilion.

Since my return to Boulder in January 2008 I finished my Masters Degree in Music Composition and taught Ear Training and Theory of Music to Freshmen, and Ear Training to Sophomores at the University of Colorado at Boulder until May 2009.

I became a member of a six-person band, called Indigent Row, in 2008-2011 where I played fiddle and sang lead vocals. We performed throughout Colorado monthly.

I now reside in Denver, Colorado. I joined Buckstein (Modern Country Rock) in March 2015 and perform regularly each month all over Denver and sometimes out of state. We are also the house band for the internationally recognized Grizzly Rose performing 6 nights a week bi-monthly.

I currently teach beginning voice, all levels of violin and viola, sight-reading, theory of music, recording techniques, performance techniques, and song-writing. I am continuing to compose new music and collaborate with others as the opportunity arises. Some of my collaborations have been published and are available online. Please ask for details.

*** Lesson Details ***
Are you excited about learning a new instrument or learning to sing your heart out? Come and learn with me in a comfortable, friendly environment! I am patient and encouraging. I will help you set goals and meet them. And to help motivate you, I will schedule performances along the way so you can show off all of your hard work!

I can teach you violin, viola, voice, music composition, recording techniques and stage techniques! I am trained in numerous styles and can help tailor lessons to your passion.

Lessons will start with the basic building blocks, as any great musician needs to have a strong foundation in the basics. I can teach you how to read music as well as improvise if that is your desire. I feel it is essential to know how to play/sing by sight and will make this a strong focus throughout the initial lessons in addition to technique and posture. I will make sure you learn how to perform and practice without injuring yourself, as certain repetitive motions can cause long-term injuries if you are not practicing with proper posture and technique. My goal for you is to make this a fun journey.

Embrace your musical side and express yourself! Bring a positive attitude to your lessons and get ready to show off your stuff!

For string players, I like to combine Suzuki with traditional Russian style and progressive scales to build the foundation and then progress to the styles of your choosing. For vocalists, I focus on Solfeggio to learn scales and sight-singing techniques and then focus on exercises to build vocal range and control. At all levels of learning I will be sure to assign tunes to work on in addition to scales/exercises so that there will always be something fun to work on in addition to the rudiments.

Remember, this is supposed to be an enjoyable experience! Let me take you on your musical journey and give you the skills to express yourself through music. Choose me as your instructor and I will contact you within 48 hours to schedule your first lesson.

I look forward to seeing you on stage!

-Jennifer

*** Studio Equipment ***
In the space I will have music stands and an amplified electric keyboard. All students should bring their own water to each lesson. Violin/viola students must bring their own instruments complete with rosin, bow, cleaning cloth, and protective case.

*** Travel Equipment ***
All students must acquire their own music stand as soon as possible. I expect my students to have access to a piano or musical keyboard and purchase their own music books.
Violin and Viola students will need to have an instrument with shoulder rest, bow, and rosin. I highly recommend that all beginning string students purchase Suzuki Book 1.

*** Specialties ***
Electric Violin
Acoustic Violin
Vocal Performance
Five-String Violin Performance

My specialties include: Suzuki, Alexander Technique, traditional Russian Violin, Country Fiddling, Celtic Fiddling, Classical Violin, Classical Viola, Folk Singing, Traditional Irish, pop singing. Composition ranges from electronica, to experimental, folk, and electroacoustic pop.

*Teachers marked as a Student Favorite have taught a minimum of 25 lessons and have received the highest feedback rating from students.

tory Orchestra, and Music Inspire Africa, a life-changing program that allowed her to share her love of performing and teaching music with the people of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Building from this experience, Ms. Wehrs founded her own program in 2017, Cleveland Harare Music Exchange, which seeks to bring musical guidance to the children of Harare, Zimbabwe through the Suzuki method and high level performances.

d enjoyable, yet detailed, music education that focuses on both excellence and artistry.
Special emphasis is placed on building and maintaining a strong classical music base, which is the foundation for all other styles and techniques found in music. Additionally, students are exposed to learning concepts in ear training, sight singing, music theory, music history, folk music and improvisation. This enables students to be exposed to other areas of music such as composing, arranging, conducting, etc., thereby giving each student the unique opportunity to branch out and explore endless opportunities.
All teaching is conducted in a supportive yet challenging environment. Each student is encouraged to think for themselves and develop their own judgment through the development of their ear and musical comprehension.
Student recitals I arranged once or twice a year to showcase my students talent and progress and encourage their love for music.
I also organize other activities for my students such as Master classes and Music mind games (for younger students). I have a group class "Building music and memory skills" designated for children age 4 to 6 (children learn basic concepts in music theory and ear training before starting playing an instrument).
I offer a half hour lesson for beginners, a 45 min. lesson for intermediate an an hour lesson for intermediate to advanced students. Above all, I strongly encourage enjoyment of music.
Music should be played from the heart with passion and excitement.

WHEN YOU START TAKING LESSONS YOU WILL NEED:
a violin with bow and strings in playing condition, rosin, a kun shoulder rest (the right size for your instrument) and a music stand - see chart bellow for the right size violin and bow or contact me for the best way to measure your child.

4/4 (Full Size)-11 years to adult

3/4 violin and bow- 10 to 11 years

1/2 violin and bow- 8 to 9 years

1/4 violin and bow- 6 to 7 years

1/8 violin and bow- 5 to 6 years

1/10 violin and bow- 4 to 5 years

1/16 violin- 3 to 4 years ( average kids)

1/32 violin and bow- 3 to 4 years (petite kids)

If you have any questions please contact TakeLessons.

satisfaction comes from challenging my students comfort line and watching them grow professionally and artistically.

I currently play with four symphonies, chamber groups and substitute for other symphonies throughout Washington state. Because I have been through so many audition processes I feel as though I have excellent insight into the process. I would be able to assist my students in a process that can possibly be one of the most stressful events of their professional lives.

My string studies began at the age of age of eight with Jim O'Brian (served in Army orchestra). Following graduation from Kamiakin High School in 1998, I was accepted into the University of Iowa's school of music. However, I decided to stay close to home and study at Columbia Basin College. It was there that I met my next professor Robert Burroughs. My other university string professors included Maria Zlateva (graduated from University of Texas at Austin), Dr. Philip Baldwin, and Dr. John Marshall who is currently principal cellist of the Spokane Symphony.

My style of teaching is the Suzuki method or string basics. I was raised on the Suzuki method and have found that it provides an excellent foundation for string players. Many of my students have found this helpful with their technique and music theory. My youngest student participated in a talent show with their orchestra last year. Through her hard work and determination she was able to gain a substantial amount of information prior to entering junior high.

What sets me apart from other teachers is that I am strictly a viola instructor. Many viola teachers list themselves as violinists as well. I believe this has helped me because I understand the physical and mental challenges that "we" violists face on a daily basis. I feel privileged knowing that very few people can read alto clef and play such a beautiful instrument. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, don't hesitate to ask me a question.

To all my violists out there inspire yourselves from the greats; William Primrose, Yuri Bashmet, David Carpenter, and Nigel Kennedy.

Thanks for looking at my bio.
Happy playing :)