Calvin, a professional violin teacher and expert violinist, who hails from Austin (TX) and Chicago (IL), has been featured in Charlotte's very own classical radio station, in its "Mainstreet Sessions" performing the virtuosic show-piece Zigeunerweisen by Sarasate, has performed with various top-notch symphony orchestras across the US, including San Diego, Charlotte, Virginia, Des Moines, Chicago, and Texas. During his orchestra career, he had the honor to perform in concerts alongside the following classical music superstars: Joshua Bell, Lang-Lang, Leila Josefowicz, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and more as well as the following famous conductors: Barenboim, William Eddins, David Robertson, Hans Graf, and Jahja Ling, among others. Starting the violin at the age of 8, he garnered attention in the music world just 2 years later, being interviewed by Austin's local TV station. Winner of many awards and honors, including TEXAS ALL-STATE SYMPHONY CONCERTMASTER as a high school freshman, 3-time UIL State Solo & Ensemble Outstanding Soloist, Austin Symphony's Concerto Competition and Soloist in their high school concerts at the age of 14, and consistently concertmaster of his local high school and All-Region orchestras, he completed Bachelor's and Master's degrees both in Violin Performance from Northwestern University, where he studied with European soloist Gerardo Ribeiro and highly sought-after pedagogue Almita Vamos as well as performed in masterclasses by Robert Chen (Chicago Symphony concertmaster), Juilliard Quartet, Valentin Zhuk, and Sally O'Reilly. He has over 15 years of experience teaching violin lessons to students of various age and levels (beginning, intermediate, or advanced).

*** Lesson Details ***
I have a balanced approach to my teaching, incorporating Suzuki (which aids memorization and ear training skills) and traditional methods with my unique methods. It's important to strive for accuracy but at the same time perfectionism is not a good thing, so both compliments and constructive criticism can motivate students to progress. Also, I walk through their homework so they can visualize much more easily than what they may otherwise fear.

Please NOTE: At this time, I only accept intermediate, advanced, and beginning students who have already had weekly lessons for at least ONE solid month. The intermediate to advanced player would review their fundamentals, such as bow grip and good tone, while also polishing up old pieces of their level and working on new pieces, with frequent focus on technique and intonation. Whatever level they are at, it's best that they practice regularly and come prepared to the lessons. With my unique learning methods, they can be motivated to practice and learn songs and skills more efficiently.

*** Lesson Equipment ***
I expect my students to have their own instrument (rent or bought), music stand, extra strings, and music.

*** Specialties ***
Teaching method: Suzuki, ear training, memorization, application of practice methods, use of theory, scales/arpeggios
Style/Genre: Classical, Hymns, Traditional