Washington, MO Fiddle Lessons

ow to 'play well with others' in informal as well as more structured gatherings every few months, with no pressure, only compassion & encouragement.

For those wishing to join in the fun of playing bluegrass music, we will start out with technique exercises, scales, basic melodies & accompaniment patterns to prepare you to learn this unique & exciting style of American music. There are many gatherings in the area called 'Pickin' Parties' that I want to get you ready to participate in as soon as is humanly possible.

If you are one of those brave souls undertaking the lovely but challenging fretless instrument, the violin, my main focus is to get you started with the all the necessary basic techniques - holding the instrument & bow correctly, getting the best possible tone & pitch using efficiency & accuracy, mixed with a great deal of ear training & heart.

Specific songs you'd like to learn? Your reward for accomplishing what I deem necessary on whichever instrument you've chosen will be for us to then listen to & analyze your desired piece, & I will then write it out in either tablature or standard notation.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lesson studio contains music stand, tuner, metronome, & there is easy parking in the well lit front lot.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student must have own instrument & be willing to purchase necessary tools as recommended at their first lesson for their instrument & playing level, such as music stand, tuner, pick, book, strap, etc. at a local music store or on line.

*** Specialties ***
Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Contemporary Christian, Americana, Ragtime Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle, Flatpick, Accompaniment, Ear Training, Theory, Harmony

um and Education; and Masters in Arts (2012) in Teaching English to speakers of other languages, and Bachelors in Music Education (2010), both from Florida Atlantic University, as well as a degree in violin performance from Chicago.
I studied piano in Chicago for 10 years & taught both piano & violin for over 20 years. I also teach flute & cello for the past 5 years, as I studied them during my Music Education program.
I have taught music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am fan of the Essential Elements method and I Can Read Music book for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards.
For teaching music theory I mostly used Fundamentals of Piano Theory (9 levels) combined with Master Theory (6 levels) books.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach Piano competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. My lessons are customized to my students needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs.
I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary.
All my lessons include technique and reading music. I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both.
Music theory: I use Master Theory and Fundamentals of Piano Theory books for younger ages, Alfred's music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance.

Besides Essential Elements for strings I also use String Tunes and I Can Read Music to add more fun to the lessons as well as support reading music during the lesson. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students need to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books, flashcards & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I always bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning.

*** Specialties ***
I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests.
Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues

es, from beginners to advanced; from young children to adults.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio, f/w keyboard, and all other instruments he teachers, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student should provide instrument, stand. I will provide my own instrument (except piano).

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki for violin (I'm comfortable with other methods, too)

r a ouple of years. Over the years I have had performing experience with violin duets and trios with a classical guitarist on a number of occasions for weddings, Christmas shows, and restaurant events. Some of my performance venues include the 800 Bay Restaurant and Club, the Four Seasons, the Sugarhouse Casino, and the Pyramid Club.

In addition to my musical career, I am also heavily training in the sport of ice dancing. Currently, my brother and ice dance partner, Stephen, and I are 3 time national competitors at the championship level with plans to compete internationally. Through my experience as a performer both in music and on the ice, I can give to each student not only the ability to create music through the violin, but also the mental ability to handle performing and competitive atmospheres.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons offer an extensive education in technique, musicality, music theory, and most importantly, effective practice methods that increase capability and skill rapidly. I tailor my lessons specifically according to the student's abilities and strengths, while incorporating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Typically, I use the Suzuki and Strictly Strings books for beginner students, and I will then advance to etude studies such as Wolfarht and Sevick in addition to the Suzuki sequels for my intermediate students. Lastly, I will add Introducing the Positions, Mazas, Josephine Trott Double Stops, and solo concertos to my advanced students.

After a few months, my students acquire a well rounded knowledge and feel for the violin and classical music and appreciate the art and beauty music brings to life. They are always strongly impacted and inspired to pursue and achieve higher goals and activities.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a living room with a grand piano, two music stands, and seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
My violin, a music stand, extra music, fingerboard tape, a metronome, stickers, and a tuner. I will expect my student to have his own violin and bow, a case, a shoulder rest, and music, music stand (can be portable), and a notebook for recording lesson assignments and corrections.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical violin, and I have worked with the Suzuki Method, but I am also very open to other methods and schools.

ers, and a basic fix-it kit for common instrument issues. I also try to keep backup books and a shoulder rest around at my studios so if someone forgets their equipment we can still make good use of the lesson.

I expect the student to provide their instrument, shoulder rest/end pin stopper, notebook, device for recording music, folder/binder for loose papers, and books. I don't require lots of books - just ones you'll use!

*** Travel Equipment ***
See Studio Equipment, above.

*** Specialties ***
I love teaching oldtime, bluegrass, country and celtic fiddle - most of what I do as a performer fits in along those lines. I teach Suzuki method violin as well. My Suzuki teacher learned directly from Shinichi Suzuki!

I encourage all my students to improvise, to try different musical styles, and to experiment with composition. My goals are to share my own love for music, and enable students to discover their unique musical voice.

nt a program to help you reach your goals.

Mice is also popular on the festival circuit on the Emerald Coast.

I relocated to Atlanta in November of 2013, and currently perform weddings, and at various restaurants and events in the Atlanta area.

I have taught individuals and group lessons on violin, bass, and guitar since 1997 and for several consecutive years at Playground Music in Fort Walton Beach.

I have several videos available on YouTube, and a website which is easily located through a simple Google search.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you fulfill your musical goals and ambitions. Happy Playing - Cheers! dp

stra’s concerto competition where she was featured as a soloist performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor.

Mary Margaret has performed in masterclasses for violinists Midori, Mark O’Connor, Sergiu Schwartz, Felix Olschofka, Xiaocheng (Echo) Jia, Renata Knific, Levon Ambartsumian, and Michael Heald. Mary Margaret received degrees in violin performance from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music (B.M.) and the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music (M.M.).

An avid music educator, Mary Margaret received advanced training in the Suzuki Method from the Lamont School of Music’s pedagogy program and is registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas in books 1-8. She was the head violin graduate teaching assistant at the University of Denver where she taught undergraduates. She has maintained private studios in Georgia, Colorado, and Tennessee.

Mary Margaret has enjoyed a varied career performing professionally in orchestras across Georgia, Tennessee, and Colorado. She performed with the Hollywood Concert Orchestra’s concert tour across mainland China during the 2015-2016 season. Mary Margaret currently performs regularly as half of the York Street Duo who made their Carnegie Hall debut in March 2018.

ged instruments.