Viola with Alison S.

***About Me*** I'm passionate about music and love sharing that through performance and teaching. As an active musician, I teach a full private lesson studio during the week and play gigs on the weekends. That's right, music is not just a "side-job" or a way to make a few "extra" bucks, it is actually my profession and I take teaching my students seriously. It is my goal to provide a solid foundation in music fundamentals while keeping students inspired as much as I can, especially because music can be tough sometimes! I received my degree in viola performance from the University of Louisville School of Music in May 2010. I play violin, viola and piano regularly and have played them most of my life. On the weekends, I play viola in a string trio called Electria for weddings or events. We often play popular music on electric instruments accompanied by backtracks. Playing popular music has expanded my knowledge and experience. Of course classical will always have a place! It is beautiful and timeless! But playing current music is also a lot of fun, and appeals to the modern student. There's room for all kinds of music and I embrace it all! *** Lesson Details *** I'm not a really strict teacher but I do encourage my students to push themselves and really make the most of their practice time, especially if they have busy schedules. I believe in customizing my teaching style to my student's needs and desires. I'm very positive and encouraging while never sacrificing constructive feedback. ***What to Expect*** After 3 months with a beginning Viola, Violin, or Piano student, I expect you to be able to read the notes (without having to write them all in), understand basic rhythms, have learned how to play a scale (or more), and have completed a few of songs. After 6 months, I expect that my students will have relative ease with reading their music, playing with hands together on piano, and starting to master basic bowing techniques and coordination on Violin and Viola. Learning an instrument is difficult, but so rewarding. With the right teacher it can be a wonderful experience, and that's my goal. I want music to be enjoyable, interesting, fun and enriching for my students. My style is encouraging, positive, and thoughtful... I try to teach in a way that is comprehensive and wholistic! *** Studio Equipment *** Living Room, grand piano and an electric piano, room for parents to wait on a couch or chair, music stand, metronome ***What you should bring*** Sheet Music/Books Rosin (for violin/viola students) *** Specialties *** I mainly focus on classical training, however I customize the teaching repertoire to incorporate my student's music tastes and interest. As I teach, I incorporate music theory so that my students may have a better understanding of how the music is structured because my goal is that they understand music from a wholistic perspective so that it can be enjoyed for a lifetime! ***Studio Policies*** I am flexible and easy to work with, however I am running a full private lesson studio and time is limited! I do require a 24-hour cancellation notice if you are unable to attend a lesson - as it does allow me to use that time to reschedule another student or optimize my time. If notice is given the day of your lesson, the lesson will be marked as "missed." With a day's notice, I will "cancel" the lesson and your lesson credit will not be used. You are welcome to reschedule your lesson to another available time during the week, however, the 24-hour notice still applies. I don't want to be unfair to you and I just ask the same of my students :) Keep in mind, regular lessons really do make a difference in students' progress and enthusiasm, so I encourage you to keep a regular lesson schedule if possible!