Piano with Erin C.

My name is Erin. I am a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music, with a concentration in Violin. I began studying violin at the age of six. I have performed with small chamber ensembles, orchestras, quartets, and trios. I enjoy playing for churches and weddings, and love teaching. I began teaching beginner to advanced Violin and Viola in April of 2001 in NC. I moved to California in the fall of 2008. Since moving to California I have extended my teaching to beginner Piano and Cello also. I have taught students ages 3 to 87 how to play and enjoy music on a personal level. My experience includes leading sectionals for middle school orchestra, organizing and instructing small ensembles, and organizing student recitals. Student recitals I arranged once or twice a year to showcase the students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed. Since moving to Georgia in 2018 I was able to keep some of my online students as well as begin again building my studio base here from home. It has been my pleasure to assist one of my neighbors in his once a month church service at the nearby nursing home. It has been an honor to involve my students in this also by taking them to play with me on more then a couple occasions before Covid-19 closed things down. It has been a joy and a blessing to find ways in our community to share our talents even during Covid. I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors. My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted. *** Lesson Details *** I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, and very rarely offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing. A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher. I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops. I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you! *** Studio Equipment *** Music Stand and Keyboard *** Travel Equipment *** I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand. *** Specialties *** I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.