Viola with Katie W.

I believe that everyone has an inherent potential to make beautiful music! Over the past fifteen years, I have instructed musicians from ages 4 to adulthood, and enjoy learning from and alongside my students. As a violist, I find it of particular importance that all of my students, regardless of instrument, learn to play in an ergonomic way that will not cause physical discomfort or issues along the road. I believe in using technical study as a means to playing more musically, not as an end to itself, and prefer to teach primarily from repertoire and supplement with exercises when needed. I have worked in Suzuki programs and have introductory training in the method but do not teach using this method. I myself learned to play and studied pedagogy through European and American traditions, which emphasize music-reading at an early stage and the ability to analyze written music. I do not require memorization of every piece, but emphasize it as a skill that must be mastered and used often. My core goal in teaching is to empower my students to learn pieces and continue playing on their own as they move towards adulthood, and to provide a positive, supportive environment that will encourage them to keep trying new things. I also know from experience that cultivating the work ethic needed for becoming proficient on an instrument is an essential life skill, and encourage my students to practice in a disciplined, structured way. Happy playing!