Richmond, TX Violin Lessons

be opened up. I will help foster a student's ability to see music for what it really is and help them strive for whatever musician they wish to become, whether it be for personal fulfillment, just for fun and recreation, or even in the pursuit of becoming an effective classical musician.

My Education:

My mother took me took a classical concert when I was six and I sat in the front of the stringed section. After the concert I made my decision that would shape the rest of my life, I wanted to become like those musicians.

I eventually graduated from a local music school in the following years in piano and violin and immediately went to enter the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. I was among the 10 out of 40 applicants that were eventually chosen, along with being the youngest of them as well.

After four years of study, I graduated and received my Bachelor's Degree in Music. I then went on to study for another year and received my Master's Degree in Piano.

My Other Experience:

I was Church Music Director in Kiev for Living Water Church from 2002 - 2010. I directed the adult choir, directed and led church worship services, accompanied various musicians and managed all aspects of church music responsibilities, including budgeting, rehearsals, planning and library management.

I also have been a private music teacher for several years teaching adults and young students. I planned lessons with them and established their repertoire.

I am also fluent in the Russian language and have extensive computer literacy.

Notable Recitals

Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music Kiev, Ukraine
(Winter and Spring recitals throughout 2005 to 2010)
Performed works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin

Music School no. 9 Kiev, Ukraine (Spring 2005, Winter 2007)
Performed works by Bach, Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff

Revutzky Music College Chernihiv, Ukraine (Summer 2010)
Performed works by Beethoven and Gershwin

St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral Kiev, Ukraine (Spring 2010)
Performed Chamber music works by Beethoven

I do look forward to meeting you and working together with you in learning music!

Blessings

*** Lesson Details ***
I pay close attention to the fundamentals of music especially throughout the early lessons. These include reading notes, measuring tempo and rhythm, sight reading, hand positioning, posture, and technique.

I believe in positive reinforcement for all my students. Building a kind and friendly atmosphere is paramount for encouraging students, especially children, to continue pursuing music. Everyone I believe has hidden music potential, and I believe the key to unlocking this is through inspiration. Music is a grand adventure of excitement and discovery for everyone.

I am very kind and honest with my students and am never too strict with them, but I do require and greatly encourage regularly that they make habitual practice a vital part of their musical education. As the old saying goes, "Practice makes Perfect." There is great truth to that saying especially when learning a musical instrument.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student's to provide necessary instrument, piano or violin

*** Specialties ***
Russian School of Piano Playing, Beginner to Professional Piano Performance, Advanced Music Performance, Music Theory, and Intermediate Violin and Music Recording

de Monterrey, Symphony of Southeast Texas, and Opera in the Heights.

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
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FITNESS: Shannon has been athletic most of her life. she is a Certified Personal Trainer, and Specialist in Exercise Therapy, with 10 years experience in triathlon. She is a sponsored athlete. 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).

teach music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am a fan of the Essential Elements 2000 for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards.
For teaching music theory I mostly used Master Theory.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. My lessons are customized to my students needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs.
I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary.
All my lessons include: technique: I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both.
music theory: I use Master Theory or other books such as Hal Leonard's Piano Note spellers & Piano Music Theory books for younger ages, music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance.

Besides Essential Elements 2000 for strings I also use String Tunes and Fiddle Runners to add more fun to the lessons. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students needs to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place to be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning.

*** Specialties ***
I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests.
Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues

I teach students to read music and sightread.

What to expect in a lesson:

Beginners:
- Learning to correctly hold the violin and bow with proper position
- Learning the names of notes and placement of fingers
- Note and rhythm training/reading; key and time signature training
- Ear training
- Beginning level Suzuki and traditional pieces

Intermediate:
- Ensuring that proper positioning and posture is upheld
- Scale and rhythm training; key and time signature training
- Ear training
- Intermediate level Suzuki and traditional pieces
- Learning shifting exercises and vibrato

Advanced:
- Scale and rhythm training exercises/etudes
- Ear training
- Advanced level Suzuki pieces and/or traditional and other classical pieces

For the first lesson:

Beginners: Please bring your violin (appropriate for your size), bow, shoulder rest, and Suzuki volume 1.

Intermediate-Advanced: Please bring your violin, bow, shoulder rest, and your most recently performed/polished piece.

Parental involvement in younger students' lessons and at-home practicing is HIGHLY encouraged!

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