Marylhurst, OR Violin Lessons

Hi, I perform professionally with Cascade Chamber Orchestra (classical) and Mango Nights (World Music and Jazz). I've been teaching all the strings for about 20 years. In the first few lessons students learn how to get get big, beautiful tone by learning various bowing techniques that are easy to learn with a little daily practice.

Then I teach how to read music and play songs in a variety of styles: Gypsy, classical, bluegrass, contemporary classical, rock and more. The album I use for this is a beginning book called VIP Strings composed by my mentor Dr. Lyons. The book comes with a play along piano accompaniment CD that makes practicing fun! Along with this I teach music fundamentals like scales, music theory and ear training.

For more serious students, I use materials from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and prepare them for one to two exams a year. The exams test playing abilities on 3 songs plus scales, arpeggios, ear training and music theory. ...

Emphasizing intonation and tone production while maintaining proper posture from day 1. I will help you build a foundation of skills on the violin to play whatever music you desire from Suzuki, to Country, to Rock. Or help apply what you know already to play a different kind of music.

I believe that students can only learn properly in the right atmosphere, with an enthusiastic, motivated instructor. If the experience is not fun the student will not excel in what they do. I believe the students should periodically have a chance to show what they are learning by performing in recitals with others.

Starting beginners as early as 3 yrs. School age students, adults. Correct play position, technical skills, music enjoyment, possibility to join Music Academy string orchestra. Learning to play solos and learning to play in orchestra. School orchestra student couching available. Classical music, fiddling.

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.

Before switching to primarily playing viola, I trained and performed as a violinist for ten years and graduated from the Suzuki Violin Method. I now play violin as my secondary instrument.

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 like to focus on correct playing position, reading the treble clef, scales, etudes, solo pieces, shifting, and vibrato. I've taught a wide range of students. From beginner to intermediate to advanced. I've taught students as young as 4 to students in their 60's.

I am a violinist, artist and singer/songwriter in Portland, Oregon who has been teaching violin for over 15 years. I believe that with enough practice, patience and dedication anyone can learn to play a new instrument. No previous experience is necessary-- just a passion for music!

NOTE: My availability is somewhat flexible so please contact me to set up a time that works!

Lessons will focus on:

-A solid basic foundation in classical music-- we can branch out from here!
-Learning to read music, use dynamics, bow, tune, scales, developmental exercises.
-Above all: having fun and pursuing a new passion.

Music is my life and has taken me all over the country and across the world and I want to share it's magic with as many people as I can!

I keep things simple, fun and student-based.

I teach to each persons strengths. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, I focus on helping you become your best.