Riverside, MO Viola Lessons

Suzuki pedagogy applied for beginners

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

Your viola lessons will be focused upon helping you reach your goals, learn viola technique, and explore music of interest to you taught by an experienced music teacher. Using a variety of resources, you will develop technique, musicianship, and knowledge of music theory, composition, music history, and world music. Studio concerts, family field trips, and workshops are offered throughout the year. I hold bachelors and masters degrees in music education as well as an Indiana Professional Educator License in Music. I have been teaching music lessons for 17 years. Contact me today to learn how I can help you reach your goals!

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!

As a music instructor, I am eager to cater to the needs of each individual child and to provide them with engaging musical experiences in supportive environments. I have previously provided violin, viola, and piano lessons to students of all ages both through Thompson Tutoring in Portage, Michigan and Reverb Lessons in Chicago, Illinois. I have approximately six years of private teaching experience.

I recently graduated from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts with a Master of Music Degree in Viola Performance. In 2016, I graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Viola Performance and Spanish. My performance experience includes both local and international venues. I have performed locally throughout the Southwest Michigan area, in orchestras such as the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Whiting Park Symphony Orchestra, Holland Symphony Orchestra, and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. I have also performed internationally ...

I've been teaching for 21 years, and 18 years as a full-time university professor. For beginners, I use the Suzuki literature, and gradually add exercises and studies, depending on the technical needs. For more experienced students, I use a variety of other methods. I'm a very positive and encouraging person, and students walk away with a broad smile and feeling of satisfaction!

I adjust my teaching style to compliment each student individually. My goal is for each student to enjoy playing their instrument, but I believe that the personal improvement of each student is vital for their continued interest and passion. I take it upon myself to make sure that my teaching is resulting in personal enjoyment and improvement! I also believe that studying a musical instrument is useful for developing things like problem solving skills, perseverance, building good habits, having a good work ethic, and being responsible. Music is also a voice of communication, and I enjoy teaching students to develop a strong confident voice through music.

Every student is unique, so I will tailor the lessons to you and make it fun! I'm passing on to you the training I received from the very best master teachers of the violin. Stringed instruments are challenging, but I believe in enjoying making music at every level, while establishing a strong foundation in good technique. For learning fundamentals of music theory and ear training, we will play various rhythm and improvisational games. I have extensive background in European classical music, and I've also done quite a bit of improvisation, some fiddling, and electric violin and viola. Whether you want to be the next Joshua Bell or the next Lindsey Stirling, I can help you improve your playing. I will help you sing, dance and tell a story through your violin or viola.

Experienced teacher specializing in the beginner/intermediate viola student! All ages welcome. Lessons are customized and catered to the needs/goals of each student. You will be building a strong foundation of note reading, music theory, ear training, sight reading, technique, and more. Let's get started!