Riverside, MO Viola Lessons

I teach beginning through college level viola, and have studied viola at Indiana University during my doctoral program.

*** Lesson Details ***
I strongly believe that, if every child would be provided with an ideal environment, would gain extraordinary ability. There are no exceptions. No one can tell how able man is by the nature. What is known is the ability that is spoiled or developed. It cannot be denied that most children speak their native languages beautifully by learning about 3000-4000 words by age 5 or 6. Nothing can clearer demonstrate of the original power of the human mind. Through the years of studying and teaching music I realized that this is the most important concept for developing each kid's talent, to increase his or her ability to the maximum. Therefore I am combining the great methods of teaching violin. The Suzuki method and the Russian school method. Suzuki method helps at the earliest stage of playing an instrument and I am using later Russian school method for more advanced period of studying.

*** Online Lessons: Intermediate and Advanced students ONLY

Many teachers who teach viola are primarily violinists, and are not as aware of the extra attention to detail and slightly different techniques that this instrument requires. Since I am primarily a violist, I can teach tone production, posture, and other techniques from the perspective of a player who has spent time learning the idiosyncrasies that make the difference between an excellent violist and a competent one.

My teaching style is inspired by my initial training in the Suzuki method, and my studies with violist and pedagogue Karen Ritscher at Oberlin Conservatory. Please note, I have not yet received training as a Suzuki teacher and use the Suzuki method books and the teaching I received as a Suzuki student as a jumping off point for working on each student's individual needs.

I began teaching violin and viola in 2012. I have enjoyed working with students of varying ages, who thus far have ranged from age 3.5 to adult. Each one of my students is unique, and I appreciate that in each lesson, I can focus on the needs and strengths of that individual student. On my own, I particularly enjoy playing with other people. I often play harmony parts with my students when they have mastered their current piece both to help verify their competency and to acclimate them to playing with others. I regularly play with local community orchestras and sight-read chamber music with fellow musicians. I have greatly enjoyed both teaching music and learning about music pedagogy through the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Lessons will involve building technique (scales, arpeggios, intonation exercise, bow exercises), sight reading, performance practice, and building repertoire. Can incorporate Suzuki method if that is your preference

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.

Started teaching in 2007. We will work on good technique, fun pieces, and high level of excellence!

Students will learn to play the Viola using a variety of methods.