Antoinette A.

Finding an schooled violinist and finding a good violin teacher are two very different things. When I see other teacher's profiles, they boast of the years of training they had. Anyone can learn and play, but it takes a love of teaching to really make a difference in someone's life.

PATIENCE
When you have a love of teaching, you have a seemingly endless resource of patience. This is because what the student sees as "patient" is really just a small step in the educational process. It is a fraction of time just before a correction. When you have something new to teach, whether it is a new technique, or a correction of something being done improperly, and you know exactly how to break it down so it is understandable and accomplishable, you know it is always a short matter of time before the student gets it. And by short, I mean a matter of seconds, or minutes.

FRIENDLINESS
I respect others and what they feel and have to say. I treat others as I would want to be treated and lessons are always a pleasure to my students, because it is a pleasure for me to teach them.

EXPERIENCE
I have been playing for over 26 years. I have played with a multitude of local orchestras and bands and have done countless studio recording sessions and live shows. All of this experience comes through in my teaching either directly (when it comes time for you to perform) or incrementally.

When you are learning, there is a vast sea of information. Not all of that knowledge is equal in importance. It is incredibly important to be able to distinguish what is important and what is not very important. All of my real-life experience, and continuing experience reveals itself in the form of ensuring my students know what is truly important.

Lest you get the idea that I am a wishy-washy, undemanding teacher, I can assure you this is not the case. Lessons are fun, but that is because they are productive. You will walk away being able to do something, and that requires hard work, and practice.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM MY STUDENTS
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
And a winning attitude.

I can even work with you if you don't have a winning attitude, but it makes it more fun when you do!

HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Some students who were musicians previously leave the first lesson being able to play their first song. Most students however, who have never played an instrument before, can expect to be comfortable bowing (a huge part of the process - half the sound!) within the first few weeks, and will then move on to learning songs. We will be learning sheet music as well, on a very, very easy gradient. After the first couple months, I expect you to tell me which song it is you might like to learn most so that we can start working on it.

RENTALS
I rent out violins of all sizes.
I sell the book that I teach out of (or you can obtain it online or from Sam Ash).

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them. You can use the contact button on this website and I will gladly answer you in return.