Violin with Melissa R.

I have studied all varieties of music and attended high school (Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts) and college (Cal State Long Beach) for violin performance. Both schools were attended on a full scholarship. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are the backbone of teaching art of any variety. I was fortunate to study with an amazing teacher. He was very positive but left a clear message of what needed to be worked on before next practice. My students’ success is my success. When I’m not teaching private lessons, I am performing at various venues with my folk band. My music career has consisted of symphony positions, weddings, Waltzes and open mic nights to mention a few, but my favorite experience was playing with a competitive mariachi band for two years during high school. I also do a lot work with the amazing music teacher at my son’s elementary school. I introduce strings every year to the students that are picking their fine art for the following year, and I let everything will student play my violin. Just last month my ensemble opened for a fundraiser hosted by Maylee Thomas Band and her husband Mayor George Fuller. I have a weekly show at Starbucks. My instrument is acoustic but I have installed a pick up installed so that I can use an amp for gigs. I am thrilled when students show interest in different variations of music and am happy to teach a wide variety of genres. I am also more that able to prepare a student for a professional symphony position! My lessons incorporate physics, ear training, theory, and critical thinking into my lessons. I encourage creativity and cadenzas! All of these things are necessary to create a well rounded musician. Did you know that 98% of applicants for medical school that were music majors during their undergraduate studies are admitted into the program? That’s something to think about!