What is your goal for your students?

My goal is always to work myself out of my job. I focus on helping my students learn how to listen to themselves effectively and ask themselves what is standing between them and their goals. We then work to create practice strategies to accomplish those goals. I have specific goals in mind for each student, but every student has input into what they do next, even with beginners. I do not anticipate that any of my students will go on to be professional orchestral or solo musicians. However, I hope that all of my students will go on to fulfilling lives knowing that they can handle anything presented to them by applying the skills they learned with me.

Where are lessons held?

Currently I am teaching only online due to the covid-19 pandemic. Once it is safer to return to in-person lessons, house calls will be evaluated on a case by case basis with distancing and appropriate air flow being major considerations. I do not have the space to have appropriately distanced lessons in my studio, so coming to me will not be an option.

When are you available for lessons?

Lessons are available Monday to Friday, with the possibility for group classes, practice recitals for other students and full recitals with family and friends on Saturdays. 

How do online lessons via Zoom work?

The same way in-person lessons would! The biggest difference is that we might not be on the same continent! If you haven’t found it already, violinist.com is a fabulous resource of discussion forums and violin-related articles. It’s where I found this fantastic pdf of how to prepare for online lessons. You can find even more information in their Guide to Online Learning.

What do you look for in a student?

While a commitment to practice and daily improvement is incredibly important, what I most look for is students who are willing to be laugh in a lesson. I get excited by all sorts of “nerdy” things and I want my students to feel comfortable bring their full selves into their lessons. Learning new things is difficult – why not reward ourselves with something light hearted like games or a nerd out session over your favorite subject? Because we focus on both the physical and emotional elements of playing, sometimes we need to take breaks in the lesson to recenter ourselves. This can look like a walk around the room, some deep breathing or some other sort of mental break. I want lessons to be fun, enjoyable, challenging and encouraging. I am not here to make you a perfect musician, I am here to help you become the fullest human you can be.

What levels do you teach?

While I would love to say I can take you from pre-Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to winning major concerto competitions, I cannot. For very advanced players (pre-conservatory and above), I can offer you a chance to explore a new genre, work to connect to yourself emotionally and help you formulate ways to practice more efficiently. If that is not what you’re looking for I can do my best to recommend teachers that I think will be more able to help you.

I don’t really like classical music. Can we only work on alternative styles like fiddling?

Of course we can. Just know that technique is not something only classical players need! Fiddlers, pop players and any other genre performer will need to be in tune, in control of their bow and have rhythmic integrity.  

My child/or I is a beginner. Should I rent or buy an instrument?

I recommend renting for beginners because it lets you or your child experience playing violin without the same level of commitment as buying one. Many local shops will have a “rent to buy” program you can take advantage of. If price is an issue and buying a violin to replace later is the only option, I strongly recommend buying a well set up instrument from a good shop or online company like Shar Music. Please DON’T go buy a cheap violin from Amazon, e-Bay or the local garage sale! Those violins often have poor sound quality, leading to a higher chance of you or your child quitting sooner! You can learn more about buying a violin here and here.

What size violin/viola do I need to get?

Violinist.com saves the day again! You can find a sizing guide here.

Do you ever give parent/child lessons, or lessons with siblings or friends who want to learn together?

Yes! Parents are required to attend the lessons of students younger than 10, so combining two lessons into one is totally an option. For lessons with siblings or friends there often comes a time when some sort of individual private lesson is required. In that case, I will work with one individually, then the other, and finally both together at the end. These lessons can’t be shorter than an hour, otherwise each student is not able to receive enough attention.

What support do you offer students outside of lessons?

I am always available to answer questions by email, google chat or WhatsApp. These answers might be in text or video form. After we have set up lesson times I will provide you with the specific ways you can contact me. 

Would it be possible set up a trial lesson?

Of course! I offer trial lessons via Zoom for $20. You can expect to spend 30 minutes together. We’ll get to know each other a bit, evaluate your mutual goals and expectations, and if you’re not a total beginner, you’ll play your most recent piece or etude so I can assess your technique. If I don’t think that we will be a good fit I will let you know within 24 hours of our trial lesson and, if possible, provide recommendations of other teachers who will be able to help you more.