Fairlawn, OH Viola Lessons

Whether you're 3 or 103, if you're playing viola (or starting to play!) I hope you're EXCITED about it!! Over the years, my students have said that their lessons are/have been their favorite times of each week. I believe learning to play viola should be full of joy, learning, thinking, and feeling. Bring that joy alive for yourself by partnering with me as your musical guide. I bring over 30 years of experience and pure joy to my work, and I'd love to share that with you!

My teaching purpose is to instill a music appreciation while showing the technical aspects, reaching for a deeper way of transposing the even the most distinct feelings into music. To share my musical and educational experience with others, to exceed all others expectations, as well as mine, to fulfill my dreams, and create stronger principles, while reaching personal growth.

All level of viola study from beginner through professional.

I am a professional violinist/violist with a Master of Music degree, extensive performance, and teaching ability/experience,

The viola is often overlooked as an instrument because it is usually the middle voice in the orchestra. But the viola has a richness and quality that cannot be duplicated by a violin or a cello. I love the sound of the viola, and also understand how learning the viola is different than learning the violin.

I teach viola from beginner to advanced, from basics, shifting, vibrato, music theory, technique,different bow stokes and styles to the most refine concepts of viola artistry.
I love to teach solo classical repertoire but also viola 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.

Violinist Marilyn earned her Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 2012, and her Master of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music in 2014, where she served as concertmaster of the CIM orchestra.

Marilyn has taught at St. Ignatius High School and at Birchwood School, in addition to performing with the Akron, Firelands, and Cleveland Pops Orchestras, and managing her private studio. She is trained and registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach through Unit 4 of the Suzuki Violin literature. Marilyn currently resides in Cleveland Heights, Ohio with her husband, violinist Julian.

We will first discuss playing goals, and past experience and then I will make a lesson plan based around this discussion. We will then move forward accordingly. We will practice scales, different technique exercises, and repertoire.

In addition to my Violin training, I have taken viola lessons and have taught viola since moving to Ohio.