Violin, Viola, Music Theory, Music Arranging and Musician Mentorship take place at my home in Danville, CA near Blackhawk Plaza.
Curriculum: I utilize the Suzuki method for younger children, as well as other curricula and repertoire. Examples include Samuel Applebaum’s Beautiful Music duet series, Mark O’Connor’s fiddle method and Solos for Young Violinists. Technique books include I Can Read Music, I Know a Fox with Dirty Socks, Etudes from Wohlfahrt, Whistler position studies books, Starr’s Adventure’s in Music Reading, Barber’s Scales for Advanced Violinists, the Theory Time workbook series, phone apps for ABRSM, as well as repertoire curated to the student’s interest and playing level. (This is not a comprehensive list.)
Recitals: We typically hold a formal Spring solo recital with a piano accompanist, and a more casual Fall solo recital. Also, near the winter break we perform holiday and classical arrangements as an ensemble. When possible, we love to perform our recitals for the residents of local assisted living centers. As students progress, there are additional ensemble performing opportunities, including special music for church services. I love helping mentor students to play in various mixes and types of ensembles.
Guidelines on Practice: Daily practice is the goal. Students participating in my lesson program are required to practice a minimum of five days per week. The duration of their daily practice time is equal to the length of their lesson, or longer. Young children (usually ages 3-7) have a minimum of 6 days of weekly practice, but they may practice for shorter lengths of time. For instance, when a young child first starts lessons, the practice duration might only be five minutes, plus time listening to recordings. The practice duration would increase every week until they are practicing thirty minutes per day. The practice requirement is important because it allows the student to see progress, which makes playing music fun! In addition to practicing, listening to recommended recordings is also very helpful and important. Please consider when starting lessons if you can carve out 30 minutes of practice time daily. Consider homework, sports commitments throughout the year, and hobbies. Kids who enjoy playing two organized sports in one season may not have time for sufficient music practice. If a child studies multiple instruments, they need to practice each instrument daily. If you intend for your child to enroll in double concurrent sports or take private lessons for more than one instrument, please let me know and we can discuss it.
Guidelines on Parents: Parents of preschool and elementary-aged students attend lessons and are active in observing and participating. I encourage you to take notes, and I will show you how to help your child at home. Some parents choose to video record lessons or new concepts, which is fine if you find it helpful, but not required! I highly encourage parents of young children to play violin along with their child, at least initially. It encourages the child, allows the parent to model, and helps the parent fully understand what is being taught.
Please contact me for more information, and see the “About” page to learn more about my background and credentials.