Violin with Emma S.

Hello! My name is Emma S. and I have been playing violin for 10+ years. I started out taking Strings class in school, and from there I began a long career of taking private lessons and playing in orchestras all the way through high school graduation. My primary teacher was the late Thomas Lindsay, concertmaster of Symphonicity. For college, although I studied visual arts at VCU's School of the Arts, I continued playing violin as a member of the VCU Symphony all four years. My instruction focuses on the individual student's needs and goals, and it draws from my years of experience performing and participating in various workshops, such as the JMU Spring Strings Thing, Tidewater Intergenerational Orchestra, and the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra. I have a special interest in helping students gain the confidence to share their playing with others. Some examples of the students I'm interested in tutoring are: Elementary school students just starting out and learning the basics; Middle and High school students who want to improve in their orchestra classes and play more advanced pieces; Adults interested learning to play or picking violin back up. For teaching I use Essential Elements books for beginners and Suzuki books, as well as various exercise, scale and arpeggio books. Bach is a favorite of mine. In addition, I will work with students on Concertos and any material a student wants to bring to a lesson to look at (fiddle music is welcome!). I am very observant and thorough, and pay attention to how each student grasps the concepts. It's important to me that the student understands how to practice correctly when they're by themselves. My instruction includes: 1. Assisting those learning the basics of violin and music theory. 2. Instruction to improve technique. 3. Helping those who want to play in school orchestras or ensembles. I begin by assessing what each student already knows and what they have trouble with, what they want to learn, then we work together from there. As a result, my students will know what and how to practice, and will enjoy a learning environment that is, most importantly, encouraging. My lessons are enthusiastic and concentrated; after all, violin is an engaging instrument that will enrich your life with its beauty - even if you don't often play for other people.