Houston, TX Viola Lessons

ights.

Shannon has been a faculty member at various colleges, is currently Adjunct Professor of Music at Brazosport College, and also has an active private studio, Leigh Studios. She is the College Music Society South-Central Regional President; and is an Advisory Board member for the Houston Flute Club.

Shannon received her Masters of Music degree in Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She also studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and received her B.A. degree in Performance, and B.S. degree in Music-Business from Winona State University, and has studied with world-renowned instructors.

Shannon has received grants for her work, from the Minnesota State Arts Board, American Federation of Musicians, Rome Festival Orchestra, and the Winona Music Guild, and was the 1997 recipient of the Vivian Menees Nelson Music Award.

Shannon is also a sponsored triathlete and trainer/coach/race director, and gives workshops on the importance of healthy living, nutrition and exercise for musicians. She is a board member for The Lake Charles Triathletes. And she is a strong advocate for music, health, and triathlon. Sponsors: Maggie Martinez-LMT, Eating for Performance, Bikesport, DeSoto Sport, Gu Performance Energy, Rudy Project, Amit Jethva-DDS, Leigh Enterprises.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am pretty easy going. I want you to feel comfortable and at ease, but we do need to focus and can have fun doing it. :)
I utilize various methods for each instrument, which is determined by the students learning style and ability; needs, so this can change as time goes on (not sticking to one particular publishers materials). I have done (and continue to do) extensive research into materials available for each instrument I teach, and supplement with my own, to utilize the best out there for "YOU" for the best possible progress. While ensuring an extremely well-rounded musical education, so you can progress at the best possible rate. Since each student's potential is different, each will progress differently. This is also determined by your dedication to daily practice (the more you practice, the quicker you will progress & the more accomplished you will become). This is a 'Team Effort'; I give the guidance and tools. You practice, utilize learn these tools, and off we go! The sky is the limit!

*** Specialties ***
Classical, jazz
----------------------------------

FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Specialist in Exercise Therapy, and running / multisport (swim/bike/run) coach for 15 years.

She is a sponsored athlete, and a 2018 World Championship Qualifier and Participant in Denmark, representing Team USA, and has also placed in her age group at numerous endurance events.

She applies her years of teaching experience to helping you reach your physical and nutritional goals, to be the healthiest you can be. She's not for quick fixes/results. It's all about a transformational lifestyle change. Enjoy the journey! It's well worth it! (see info above).

, and with the classical and traditional duo Driftwood. Her repertoire also reaches beyond classical music, with recent projects including performances of jazz and traditional fiddle styles throughout the Boston area, and recordings with Ran Blake, the founding chair of New England Conservatory's Department of Contemporary Improvisation, on a CD released in 2015 titlted "Ghost Tones". In addition to her work as a performer, Rachel runs an active studio and specializes in teaching both conventional and Suzuki violin method as well as beginning and intermediate fiddle. Rachel is Suzuki Certified through Book 3.

*** Lesson Details ***
I like to teach students using a combination of Traditional method books as well as Suzuki. I believe that it's equally important for students to be able to play music by ear as it is to be able to sight-read off of a score. In a typical lesson, we will cover scales, exercises in technique, etudes, and a movement of a classical piece. I also like to play duets with students as I believe it helps improve the ear and acclimate a student for playing in group or orchestral settings.
I encourage all students to bring a notebook with them to every lesson and will write down what is being worked on and the areas of improvement. I've found that it's vastly helpful to be able to go back and look at what was covered in a lesson when you're at home practicing!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio is in a private room, neat, organized, with plenty of instruments. She has a music stand, extra equipment, instruments, and seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If a student lives in a reasonably subway/bus accessible area then I have no problem traveling to them for lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Fiddle, Violin, Viola

uding Ivan Galamian and Josef Gingold. I have also studied with Texas String Teacher of the Year winner Henry Rubin.

ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE

Interlochen Philharmonic
Texas All Sate String Orchestra
Highland Lakes Orchestra
Symphony of Southeast Texas

NOTABLE TEACHERS

Henry Rubin

Laura S. Camacho

Steven K. Leonard

Ara Sarkissian

Timothy Shiu

lorado Chamber Orchestra, and as a section violinist with the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra. During the summer of 2016, she travelled to Italy as part of CU's "Renaissance in the XXI Century" program where she studied with Alberto Bologni and performed a wide variety of chamber music.

Ava is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Colorado-Boulder under Professors Karoly Schranz and Harumi Rhodes. Her past teachers include Dr. Sam McClure, Julie Lundgren, and Kathy Karpicke.

nce.

Lisa went on to study history at the University of Pittsburgh, and later earned her law degree from Duquesne. She never forgot her violin, though, and continued to play in her spare time.

Music adds beauty to the world, and finally, after years of keeping the violin to herself, Lisa decided to share her playing with others. Lisa teaches traditional, classical method. The method books she uses include: Essential Elements for Strings, Samuel Applebaum, and All for Strings, among others. She supplements the technical exercises with repertoire from the Suzuki series. Lisa enjoys playing all types of music, in addition to classical, and teaches these songs, as well. Additional music includes pop artists like Taylor Swift, classic rock, electronic music like Lindsey Stirling, celtic, folk, and just about any other type of music you can think of. As a teacher, Lisa strives to be positive and encouraging. She believes that music should be fun, so her main goal is to make sure her students are having a good time!

it's up to the teacher to put them in a position that they can and will prevail. Music should be fun for everyone!

.