Music Theory with Chloé P.

I am a Loyola Marymount University graduate with a B.A. in Music (Violin, Ethnomusicology). I studied the Kodaly Method at New York University and the Colourstrings Method at the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemet, Hungary. In addition to teaching violin, I am an avid traveler and active performer. I wish to inspire my students and expand their souls with the power of music. Music has the power to connect us, and now more than ever do we need that. By teaching different styles of music we are also developing understanding and transporting to different places and musical cultures, much like learning a foreign language. The early stages of learning violin can be discouraging both on a mental and physical level, so it is my job to keep the vitality between the instrument and the student! The violin is an impressive instrument with a huge history and design that has not changed in 500 years! Be a part of that beautiful history! *** Lesson Details *** As my student, you will fall in love with music and with your instrument! It will create a whole new meaning to your life and you will learn so much about the world through music. Our lessons will begin with Alexander Technique - a system of "body-awareness," which is designed to promote well-being by ensuring minimum effort in maintaining postures and carrying out movements - in this case, holding a violin for a long time. My responsibility to my students is to ensure that no discomforting habits are created or prolonged through the playing of the instrument. Our lessons will follow the course of quality vs. quantity. My students learn to create a clean sound on the instrument before jumping into music. Practice is expected, but lessons will be fun and free-spirited to tailor the lesson to the child rather than the child to the lesson. I will play violin with students and when the student is ready, duets! I allow and promote lots of creativity on the student's part, and of course, singing! Using the voice improves inner-hearing and pitch, two things no violin can do without. *** Travel Equipment *** The student should have his or her own instrument, bow, shoulder rest, and rosin. If he or she does not have a music stand, I can provide. I will make copies of sheet music for students, though it would be excellent for student to purchase his/her own music. *** Specialties *** I use a combination of different methods and styles to keep the vitality for the instrument and the music. Each student has his or her own reason for playing an instrument, so I try to bring out the confidence and purpose in their playing by assimilating to the student's musical interests. With beginners, I start with a combination of Suzuki, Essentials for Strings, and Strictly Strings, as well as my own book of Russian melodies and tunes, and melodies I have written. I studied classical music in college but also ethnomusicology, so I incorporate a wide range of styles in lessons. Students need to constantly be excited and interested in what they are doing.