Passing On Music…
I believe that it is never too soon or too late to learn music - because music is a language. We learn it the same way we’d learn any other language: by hearing it first, learning how to correctly form the sounds, and lastly learning how to read what we are hearing and playing.
I like to teach working on all three of these areas:
1. Listening.
2. Knowing the proper technique (muscle memory) to repeat what we hear.
3. And learning to read the symbols (written music) that represent the sounds that we hear and make.
I encourage students to practice what they have learned in their weekly lesson. The practice sessions at home should be five separate times of 20 minutes each session. Repetition of what a student learns in their lesson forms technique (muscle memory) which then allows a student to move forward with the next step at their following lesson. Yet, I understand that sometimes because of various life issues this will not always be accomplished. If this happens, at the next lesson we can go over the same lesson again to refresh it in their memory and help you feel confident to move forward and of course, as always, have fun!!!
I give a once a week private lesson that lasts for forty five minutes. This allows us time to work on all three areas of music, listening, technique and reading.
For children up to about the age of twelve, I strongly encourage their parent to attend their lessons, take notes, (I’ll help to show to how) and be your child’s “home teacher” by practicing with them during their five home practice sessions. Depending on their age and responsibility level, we can decide if you need to be included in all five practice sessions or just a certain number. But, attending lessons with them is very important.
A parent does not need any musical background or training to be a helpful “home teacher” and practice partner to their child. All you have to do is attend the lessons with your child and I will show you how to help your child at home.
Success is the best motivator, and practice does pay off! Parents who help, encourage and practice with their child will have a successful and happy music student. And will make many special memories with their child along their musical journey together.
I hope to meet you soon…and travel with you along your musical journey…
Teaching Journey…
I began teaching music ten years ago (when I was sixteen). I have had the opportunity to teach about 225 students piano, violin and viola. I have learned so much from all my students, and we have made many fun memories and created beautiful music together.
I have taken Suzuki teacher training for violin books one and two.
I am Suzuki certified.
I have also taken summer college teacher training classes.
I have learned so much from my sister (also a certified music teacher), and my mom (a certified special education teacher), and from all the teachers that I have been blessed to have studied under through the years.
Music Experiences…
I have had the privilege to play my instruments in many settings and places. I have traveled with my family to about forty states and two countries playing our instruments and singing together. We had a family band made up of violins, violas, cellos, guitars, mandolin, banjo, trumpet, horn, and piano.
We have played in many different settings: churches, retirement homes, community gatherings, weddings, jam sessions, and with and for friends.
I believe music is a gift from God that not only blesses and encourages us, but is a blessing meant to be shared.
I have also recorded some of my music with my sisters and we hope to do more in the future.
Violin…
I began studying the violin at age six. I began my studies with a Suzuki teacher. She taught me focusing on the importance of correct posture and technique. And on developing my ear to be able to repeat music that I heard, to play in tune and with musicality.
At nine I began to study with a new teacher who also taught using the Suzuki ideas. But she also began to teach me to read music and understand the theory behind the music I was making so that I could also use my eyes to learn new songs as well as my ears.
At thirteen I changed teachers again. This teacher worked with me on the importance of a steady rhythm which is the heartbeat behind all music. And on expressing thoughts, feelings, and emotions through my playing. She also opened up a whole new musical world to me through group lessons, music camps and orchestra.
At twenty I began to study with a Russian violinist who gave me a whole new view and understanding on how to practice. She taught me how to break things down into small steps and by mastering each step correctly to build my skills, allowing me to make something beautiful. She showed me how the basics of playing the violin lie in its technique (violin technique being the muscle movements we make).
The last teacher I studied with challenged me to push myself by learning difficult pieces, taking them one note at a time, because each note is important and is part of the story we can tell with our music. He encouraged me to listen more to others’ music and to my own music. He taught that music is a language, like any other language, both written and spoken.
Viola…
I started playing viola a few years ago. I have really enjoyed its strong, deep, beautiful tone. Viola technique is similar to violin. I always enjoy finding someone who plays viola or wants to learn this not as common, but beautiful, instrument.
Piano…
I began studying the piano at age ten. I studied using the traditional method. I learned rhythm, theory, note reading, and the skill to play duets and accompany other musicians. Around five years ago I also began to work on improving my skills of playing the piano by ear, chord pattern and the skill to improvise.
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