Violin with Stephen R.

Stephen began violin lessons at age three. When his family relocated to Parrish, Florida in 1999, he joined the Florida West Coast Youth Symphony at age six and performed with them for six consecutive years, serving as concert master and assistant concert master. He then auditioned for The Venice Symphony and was accepted at age thirteen, the 2006-2007 season. He has performed with them for three consecutive seasons. In addition, he has also performed with the Sarasota Pops for two seasons from 2006 to 2008. He then joined The South Shore Symphony Orchestra in 2010, and performed with them for their first five concerts and has served as principal second violin. He also has joined Anna Marina Island Concert Chorus and Orchestra and has performed with them for the 2010-2011 season. In February of 2011, he relocated to the South Philly suburbs and is currently performed with the Delaware County Symphony and the Rose Tree Pops. Throughout the years, Stephen has performed with Elicia in a number of events, including weddings, Christmas shows, and entertainment at restaurants such as the 800 Bay Restaurant and Club. *** Lesson Details *** My lessons offer an extensive education in technique, musicality, music theory, and most importantly, effective practice methods that increase capability and skill rapidly. I tailor my lessons specifically according to the student's abilities and strengths, while incorporating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Typically, I use the Suzuki and Strictly Strings books for beginner students, and I will then advance to etude studies such as Wolfarht and Sevick in addition to the Suzuki sequels for my intermediate students. Lastly, I will add Introducing the Positions, Mazas, Josephine Trott Double Stops, and solo concertos to my advanced students. After a few months, my students acquire a well rounded knowledge and feel for the violin and classical music and appreciate the art and beauty music brings to life. They are always strongly impacted and inspired to pursue and achieve higher goals and activities. *** Studio Equipment *** In the music room there is a piano and music stands, and music available for purchase if necessary. *** Travel Equipment *** I would bring my own instrument, but would expect my students to have an instrument, stand (or a piano is fine), music (if it is not a first lesson) and a willingness to learn! *** Specialties *** I specialize in classical violin, and I have worked with the Suzuki Method, but I am also very open to other methods and schools. I also teach varied styles of violin such as fiddle.