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Michael D.
Teaches Online
Violin playing made easy with expert guidance from an experienced teacher
I feel what makes taking lessons with me unique is my experience teaching private violin and viola lessons in Texas public schools (grades 6-12) and my career as a professional musician having performed in many orchestral, opera, and chamber music settings. Through the lens of that performed experience, I know how crucial an education that includes classical music can be in a student’s overall academic development and maturation. Though not everyone pursues music as a career, no matter the student’s age, I wish to ultimately be a positive support system in fostering their development in their mirrored desirability to make classical music and incorporate it's richness and beauty into their life.
About Michael D.

Howdy, thank you for taking the time to check out my TL page! I am a musician formerly based out Dallas, TX, but have moved as of November 2021 to Germany. When I lived in the USA, I performed in orchestras across the North Texas and Louisiana area as an orchestral violist, having played professionally for 13 years. I currently play with the ORSO Orchestra and the Erzgebirge Theater Orchestra in Germany. I have traveled abroad and performed in concert halls in other places of the world such as Muscat, Leipzig, Prague and Kraków. As a teacher I have 14 years of experience of working with violin and viola students of a variety of ages, but primarily with students in the middle school to high school age range in North Texas public schools. My students have gone on to high placings in All-State and All-Region competitions and have performed in many solo competitions. I invite those who are new or proficient to the violin or viola into my studio. It is my feeling that anyone of any age can play as long as the desire to make music is present. Please message me if you have any questions on how we can get you started exploring your potential on the instrument. I look forward to meeting and engaging with you in discovering and honing your musical talents!

Teaches all skill levels

Teaching since 2009

MM Viola Performance

Teaches ages 7+

Speaks English,

Has background check

Instructor details
Subject: Violin
Viola
Violin
Teaches 2 subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$15
45 minutes
$23
60 minutes
$30
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30
Photos & videos8 photos & videos
ReviewsWrite a review
5.0
14 Reviews
5Review Star
100%
4Review Star
0%
3Review Star
0%
2Review Star
0%
1Review Star
0%
Teacher's Studio

Michael is great, in just a couple months of weekly half-hour lessons, I've learned more than I expected to. Michael does a great job adapting to your level and encouraging you while still propelling your technique forward. I like to learn at a fast pace because it motivates me to push myself and improve, and Michael has been very compatible with me in this way. When I want to slow down and work longer on a piece, he also responds accordingly and answers all the questions I have. I look forward to our next lesson!

Posted Jul 12, 2022
Teacher's Studio

I loved my first lesson. I was skeptical about online classes but after taking only in person lessons. I’m looking forward my next violin lesson.

Posted Mar 19, 2022
Online

Michael is an amazing teacher. He has deep understanding of fundamentals and subtleties involved in playing violin. It helped me understand and improve my shortcomings all the way from developing correct muscle memory, bowing techniques and producing the right sound. He has been a very patient teacher and inspires you to keep at it. Michael is very detail oriented - this helps to discover subtle flaws in your playing, which are easy to miss. It has been a great learning experience, and am looking forward to more classes.

Posted Sep 9, 2021
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Substitute Viola
Feb 2023 - Present
Erzgebirge Theater Orchestra
Section Viola
Dec 2022 - Present
ORSO Orchestra
Section Viola
Mar 2020 - Oct 2021
Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
Section Viola
Dec 2015 - Oct 2021
Las Colinas Symphony
Principal Viola
Dec 2015 - Feb 2020
Abilene Philharmonic
Section Viola
Mar 2015 - Oct 2019
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra
Section Viola
Sep 2013 - Oct 2015
Abilene Philharmonic
Substitute Viola
Dec 2010 - Oct 2021
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
MM Viola Performance
Aug 2007 - May 2009
Cleveland Institute of Music
BM Viola Performance
Aug 2003 - May 2008
Cleveland Institute of Music
English
Native Proficiency
German
Limited Proficiency
American Federation of Musicians
Dec 2010
A labor union representing professional musicians in the United States and Canada. Founding in 1896 as the successor to the "National League of Musicians," the AFM is the largest organization in the world representing the interests of professional musicians.

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Instructor details
Subject: Violin
Viola
Violin
Teaches 2 subjects. Different subjects may have different prices.
Location:
Teaches Online
Teaches Online
Work hours
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
Times are shown in your local timezone (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Pricing
30 minutes
$15
45 minutes
$23
60 minutes
$30
New Student Special
First 3 lessons
$30