Portland, OR Fiddle Lessons

ools 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. Students that pass get a beautiful certificate for each level, grades 1 to 8.

I earned my music degree from Portland State University in 2006, graduating with honors. In 1996 I won two Medals of Distinction for violin performance and music theory and then in 2001 I received a Merit Award from the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London, England for viola performance. I've been blessed to be able to perform in a variety of ensembles and genres such as musical theater pit orchestras, string quartets, the Vancouver Symphony, and rock, jazz, tango, Middle Eastern and blue grass/folk bands.

My biggest thrill is to be able to transmit culture to the younger generation through music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer the following for my violin, viola, cello and bass students. Most of all, it is the joy of music making that I want to share with my students.

Private and group lessons
Two recitals a year
Special performance opportunities throughout the year
Classical, jazz, fiddle, rock, tango, sacred, Celtic, folk
Music theory
Customized lesson plans using various methods old and new

I endeavor to provide a fun, non intimidating environment for students while motivating them to achieve their highest potential by providing many performance opportunities throughout the year. Some of my students have appeared as special guests with my band, Mango Nights.

Included with weekly private lessons are once a month group lessons where students can learn essential ensemble skills and have fun meeting other students.

Beginning students learn several simple songs that teach great tone and rhythm using classical, folk, blues, rock, ragtime, bluegrass. Students learn concepts such as syncopation, rhythm, note reading, articulations, dynamics, asymmetrical time meters and and more. Each book comes with a CD with piano accompaniment which makes practicing at home enjoyable.

Students are gradually introduced to scales, arpeggios, music theory, ear training and sight reading. All this works together to produce "the complete musician". The complete musician is a person who has excellent rhythm, pitch, note reading skills and creativity, a person who can enjoy and appreciate music in it's various forms over a lifetime whether it be for personal enjoyment or as a career.

For more serious students who have the goal of auditioning for university scholarships, top youth orchestras or becoming a professional musician, an accelerated intensive course is available in partnership with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. In this program, the student is prepared for a once a year rigorous exam requiring the playing of select pieces, scales and arpeggios, sight reading and ear training. The candidate performs for the visiting Associated Board Examiner from London England and is graded on a point system. Upon passing the student receives a beautiful certificate and additional awards for high scores. Once a year at a separate time, a written exam for music theory is taken. The exams are graded 1 to 8 and can be classical or jazz depending on the candidate's choice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
electric piano, separate room for lessons, off street parking,
Convenient close in location

*** Travel Equipment ***
Small amp, Mac laptop and metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach many styles and genres such as Classical, Folk, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Jazz, Tango and Middle Eastern.

Ensemble playing with other students.

Professional opportunities playing for weddings and other events.

ongly believe that music has the power to change lives – to enhance the social, cultural and spiritual lives of people, and serve as a profound medium of personal expression. Professional perform experience: The Chicago, Natalie Cole, Smokey Robinson, Three tours with Moody Blues, YoYo Ma etc....
The most important thing I look for in a student is communication skills, as well as talent. I like to nurture students and help identify their individual strengths, which is a key factor in shaping a musical persona that will make its mark both on and offstage. I do not advocate a uniform technique for all students. Physical differences and learning styles are always taken into consideration. Potential is as important to me as early achievements and experience. My goal is to help students become self-sufficient, discriminating artists. I discuss practice techniques often and develop individualized scale routines. I encourage initiative and expressive musicality as well as precision. Above all, music needs to bring obvious joy to the student, regardless of the difficulties.”

*** Lesson Details ***
I use Suzuki and traditional method for my students... for Suzuki beginner they will play a song in four days....

*** Studio Equipment ***
In-Studio- Lessons in separate music lesson room, piano and violin are available. Students and parents will enjoy comfortable and clean studio environment with recent remodeled new hard wood floor and studio patio window over looking at beautiful garden. Free WiFi available for parents while waiting during the lesson appointment.
University of St Francis Joliet- can teach in rehearsal rooms at the university.
Online class at world class teaching studio

*** Travel Equipment ***
violin, viola, cello, piano and guitar

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Suzuki teaching method for beginners, traditional conservatory method for intermediate and Royal conservatory recital program for advanced level students..I also teach orchestration program to help students prepare their auditions for major symphonies through out the country including Chicago symphony orchestra etc...

students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed.

I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors.

My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, but I do Not offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing.

A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops.

I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Stand and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.

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.

her countless opportunities to perform, to participate in event planning, and to experiment with new music and arranging. She grew up participating in her mother's studio recitals at home and enjoys an annual family tradition of organizing and performing Christmas programs at church. One of Catherine's projects during her studies at the Manhattan School of Music was the Symposium Concert Series, which has led her to perform in apartment homes around the city and build a community of young artists. She has made countless arrangements for solo viola and viola with various ensembles which she often performs.

Catherine resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Lawrence. She plays on a Raymond J. Melanson viola made in 1987.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm able to travel to the student's home or teach at my home. Parents are welcome to sit in the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Patience

fright! I work with you to play the music you enjoy and set your own goals, and I look forward to helping you reach them... It's what I love about what I do.

I began my violin studies at age 9, with my public school string program. I continued through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner up in my high school's concerto competition, landing a full-tuition scholarship, and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans. Our sixth international tour is scheduled for 2019 in Scotland.

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and currently play as a first violinist.

From 2015-2018, I had the joy of fiddling and singing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, featured on NPR's Blue Plate Special and Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue, and host of the NorFOLK Festival.

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn't know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, Zoom, and TakeLessons Classroom, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!

ss the United States at events such as the International Trumpet Guild Conference. He currently serves as the Albemarle Road Middle School and Crestdale Middle School Director of Strings as well as teaching private lessons in wind and string instruments. He is a member of the National Association for Music Educators, the International Trumpet Guild, as well as the American String Teachers Association.

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.