Leonardtown, MD Violin Lessons

I do a variety of styles in music for the violin. I use whatever method (book or teaching style) is needed to teach what the student needs to learn. I have been teaching violin for 25 years. Depending on age, we will start in either Essential Elements or Suzuki. All beginners will start the bow after they can read the first 8 notes. All intermediates will be able to play 2 octave scales from 3 sharps to 3 flats as well as well into Wolfhart book 1. They will also be able to shift into third position cleanly and will be starting on vibrato. For Advanced players, we will be working on Concertos, sonatas, and partitas if they wish to go classical. IF they wish other styles, we will have started that in intermediate. All students will have an opportunity to go through the music development program, if they are interested.

Learn about rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics, and how they apply to the violin. Explore the range of your instrument through various scales. Build solid skills through understanding the mechanics of how your body and instrument work together.

I teach violin from beginner to advanced, from basics, shifting, vibrato, music theory, technique,different bow stokes and styles to the most refine concepts of violin artistry.
I love to teach solo classical repertoire but also violin orchestral repertoire, chamber music repertoire, improvisation and Romanian folk music.
I also teach group ensembles, duos, trios, quartets, etc. I help students with their orchestral music and audition pieces. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I began privately instructing students while I was still in high school. Thirty years later, my studio teaching experience continues to instill a passion for music and students that are performing in their own venues in school and the community. Knowing that the time I have with each person is leading them to grow and share their own abilities with others is truly the heart of where I think musical instruction should lead.

I believe that a student is capable of doing anything, and that musical ability is something that can be taught to anyone who works diligently. I teach each student according to their unique set of skills and challenges. I studied Mimi Zweig's Pedagogy methods while at Indiana University, as well as the Suzuki method. I also studied the Alexander technique for three years and use this method to help teach my students body awareness and how to avoid pain and injury.

I have been playing violin since the age of 6. One day I had to make the difficult decision choosing between violin and piano, because both instruments are very dear to me. I chose violin as my primary instrument for its lyrical qualities and closeness to human voice. At the age of 13 I won the Saint Petersburg Violin Competition and performed with the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic.
I am excited to share my love for this instrument with my students no matter what age they are. I see each person as an individual who has their own artistic voice and I will help you to further develop it.
I have won Gartoff International Violin Competition, Freiburg International Violin Competition, Dalhousie Solo Competition, Halifax Rose Bowl, Roosevelt Violin Competition and most recently competed in Schoenfeld International String Competition in Harbin, China, where my quartet placed 3rd. Recently I performed the Brahms Violin Concerto in the Symphony Centre downtown Chicago with Roosevelt ...

I can help you play with a beautiful tone as you learn to play without excessive tension. From learning simple tunes by rote and learning to read music to coaching for college auditions, you will receive specific tools to improve.