Dunn Loring, VA Viola Lessons

. I can help you understand what is going on behind the music and hopefully see what the composer was hoping to convey, if that is something you want to know. When I was a student I always wanted to know "why?". As a teacher, you will know why if I do.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep my lesson area as stress free as possible. It's OK to make mistakes in my studio. I would like you to bring a notebook to lessons as well as your music and instrument. I write as much as I can down because if you were like I was during lessons, I would forget everything I was supposed to be watching for after 3 days. Like I said above, we move at your pace. The more you practice, the faster we move. Questions are a good thing. It shows interest. But sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and just take the leap of faith.
We start with note reading as well as proper form and the parts of the instrument. We also deal with general care. I will tune your instrument every time you come in for lessons until you learn how to tune it yourself. We will review the day before, I will check on what work you've done and then move onto the next song/ technique etc. After we learn how to pluck the first 8 notes, we start with scales and bowing.

After that we move through the "usual" routine. Scale, etude, song(s) or school test songs, audition requirements etc.

I try to keep the same routine because for some students it's easier for them to focus if they know the lesson is going to move in a familiar way. It's reassuring. After we become proficient in the basics, we move into whatever genre you would like to play, within reason. If you are in the school orchestra we will work towards you getting an A.

I would say I'm more laid back when you are not preparing for an audition. Auditions require a lot of work and I want you to do as close to perfect as possible. I become fairly demanding during that time.

In about 6 months, you can play almost any tune you can hear on the radio. Explaining where you could be gets fairly technical and I might as well be talking like Charlie Brown's teacher.

*** Studio Equipment ***
at the away studio: music, music stand, stool, piano, laptop, tuner, metronome.

at home: music, music stands, chairs, computer, laptop, keyboard, microphone, tuner, metronome.

pictures of the away studio are posted.

*** Specialties ***
I am familiar with Paul Rolland's work, Valerie Bobbett Gardner's Violin Virtuosity, as well as Guillespie's. I was brought up Suzuki but haven't been trained in Suzuki. I have taken classes on how to teach to a variety of students so I could hold a teaching license in the state. I do participate with (Canadian) The Royal Conservatory of Music Music Development. This is active in the US also.

Special note: If you are allergic to cats, you will want to take lessons at my other studio location, not at the home.

IF you are contacting me with questions, please include either take lessons or lessons in the subject area so I can find you faster. I get a lot of junk mail and it is easy for me to miss a note from you.

e but at the same time I am asking the students to give their best effort. Setting frequent goals in form of group classes and recitals keeps us in full sail and teach us to enjoy the act of playing both alone and in front of friendly audience.
I teach both classical and Suzuki methods. I like to keep my students musically well fed and encourage exploring music reading and music theory next to practical skills. I stir my students toward high standard personal level in their studies, an ingredient from Finnish cultural climate.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki method and classical method, fiddling, beginning jazz, improvising

f 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 Professor Harumi Rhodes. Her past teachers include Dr. Sam McClure, Julie Lundgren, and Kathy Karpicke.

satisfaction comes from challenging my students comfort line and watching them grow professionally and artistically.

I currently play with four symphonies, chamber groups and substitute for other symphonies throughout Washington state. Because I have been through so many audition processes I feel as though I have excellent insight into the process. I would be able to assist my students in a process that can possibly be one of the most stressful events of their professional lives.

My string studies began at the age of age of eight with Jim O'Brian (served in Army orchestra). Following graduation from Kamiakin High School in 1998, I was accepted into the University of Iowa's school of music. However, I decided to stay close to home and study at Columbia Basin College. It was there that I met my next professor Robert Burroughs. My other university string professors included Maria Zlateva (graduated from University of Texas at Austin), Dr. Philip Baldwin, and Dr. John Marshall who is currently principal cellist of the Spokane Symphony.

My style of teaching is the Suzuki method or string basics. I was raised on the Suzuki method and have found that it provides an excellent foundation for string players. Many of my students have found this helpful with their technique and music theory. My youngest student participated in a talent show with their orchestra last year. Through her hard work and determination she was able to gain a substantial amount of information prior to entering junior high.

What sets me apart from other teachers is that I am strictly a viola instructor. Many viola teachers list themselves as violinists as well. I believe this has helped me because I understand the physical and mental challenges that "we" violists face on a daily basis. I feel privileged knowing that very few people can read alto clef and play such a beautiful instrument. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, don't hesitate to ask me a question.

To all my violists out there inspire yourselves from the greats; William Primrose, Yuri Bashmet, David Carpenter, and Nigel Kennedy.

Thanks for looking at my bio.
Happy playing :)