Dayton, MD Violin Lessons

s and colleges. I am also a judge in the Young Artist Award in Maryland. In addition, I have received two White House awards for my performances at the White House, I am also a member of Psi Chi International Honor Society.

Music has been an important part of my life. It represents so much that is good in life and I do my best to communicate this to my students. I am training my students not just to be musicians but to love music for life.

*** Lesson Details ***
I treat each student as an individual since everyone is different. For some I might use a traditional approach, some just the Suzuki approach and others a combination of techniques. Whatever produces the best results. My goal is not to make strictly classical musicians but to train students to love music and carry this love throughout life. My repertoire consists of everything including traditional, Suzuki, Disney, Showtunes, etc. I have taken students to perform little concerts at the White House, schools, hospitals and concert halls to get the real feel of performing. I view lessons as a three way relationship between myself, the student and the parent so that the parent is not left out. I even have a small group called Musical Magic which incorporates magic into music. I feel I am laid back but am able to accomplish my goal through positive reinforcement. Every child or student wants to feel good about his/her playing. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. If you want online lessons, please contact me through Take Lessons since I have additional availability to teach online. In the past six months my students have performed for the National Humane Society at their animal ball, a multi teacher recital on a local stage, and just two weeks ago seven of them performed at Strathmore. This summer I have two more concerts planned. Coming up will be an all instrument graduation with several other teachers where students receive medals for their performances. No student is required to perform but if they want to the opportunity is there. All students are required to have an instrument prior to beginning lessons. If students need to rent a violin, I will provide you with the name of a violin dealer that both rents and sells string instruments. Piano students must have a piano or keyboard.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach at home and have both a grand piano and electric keyboard in addition to a harp and violin.

*** Travel Equipment ***
When my students have to travel to perform, I make sure they have everything they need.

*** Specialties ***
Traditional and Suzuki approaches for both violin and piano. I also teach children with learning disabilities.and have extensive summer programs to help students with auditions for youth orchestras and school orchestras.

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.

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.