Portland, OR Viola Lessons

Correct play position, reading viola clef, scales, etudes, solo pieces, shifting, vibrato. Possibility to play in a student string orchestra!

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,

Hello! I am offering beginning to advanced lessons for students of all ages (age 3 through adult). The methodology that I teach is directly from Oberlin and New England Conservatories. My teaching philosophy is to self motivate students through fun and a positive learning environment. I have over 10 years of teaching experience and have taught in a variety of settings across the US and Taiwan.

Many teachers who teach viola are primarily violinists, and are not as aware of the extra attention to detail and slightly different techniques that this instrument requires. Since I am primarily a violist, I can teach tone production, posture, and other techniques from the perspective of a player who has spent time learning the idiosyncrasies that make the difference between an excellent violist and a competent one.

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 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.

Drawing from a wide array of performance and teaching experiences, I tailor unique lessons to Viola and Violin students of all kinds who are ready to take their playing to the next level. I hold all of my students to a high level of achievement, while integrating their personal goals into my lessons. Some of my students have described lessons with me as "whacky and fun." Students learn basic skills, advanced techniques, music theory, music history, among other subjects to help inform effective and enjoyable performances. What do you want to achieve? Let me know and let's work together to get there!

The student will be instructed on the basics of proper playing techniques, music theory, and musicianship. They will learn to read music and also play by ear which will make them a well rounded player.

Hello! I've gotten Master's Degree in Music and possess 13 years of teaching experience with students of all ages and at all skill levels.

What do my lessons give to You?
+ Professional skills of playing
+ Master different techniques (e.g. pizzicato, double notes etc.)
+ Master various bow technique (e.g. spiccato, staccato etc.)
+ Basic and advanced knowledge of music theory

What will you be able to do after a short time?
+ Easily play and pick up melodies
+ Sheet-reading notes

How else can my lessons help?
+ Make it easier to master any other instrument
+ Give the ability to compose songs or pieces

So feel free to contact me any time and ask any questions. I am eagerly waiting to start to help You quickly progress as an excellent performer!

It is my goal as a teacher to "decode" each individual student's personal learning style. I strive to create a fun and safe learning environment and to instill the values of lifelong learning and improvement in my students.