Please read the About page for my training and background.
Approach
I accept students of all skill levels, from beginners to university students majoring in music. Depending on the student, I blend a variety of methods, from Suzuki to traditional to the Dorothy DeLay pedagogical approach.
My primary intention is to help each student experience the joy that arises from the sensitive and soulful expression of music making, whether alone or in collaboration or performance. This only becomes possible when the proper fundamentals (technique, rhythm, note reading, ear training etc.) are carefully nurtured and developed.
While technique, precision, and progress are important, it is more important to me that each lesson is a safe, loving, and encouraging learning environment.
Parents of very young students will need to attend lessons. While there is some physical involvement, I ask that you let me be the only teaching voice during lessons (I will ask you if I need help), and to please address misbehavior.
Practice
During each lesson I will prepare a complete practice chart for your week of practice to come. I have constructed and revised it to provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step framework for a typical practice session. In order to advance as efficiently and quickly as possible, it is best to do the exercises in the chosen order, with careful attention to the precise details I have provided. Lessons comprise only one hour a week, while practice time at home comprises many more hours; an essential part of my role is to prepare you to make those hours as meaningful as possible. Use practice time wisely. More advancement can be made in 15 minutes of focused practice than in two hours of careless practice.
Obstalces of every variety--technical, psychological, and emotional--are inevitable. It's important we meet them with patience and gentleness. Our collaboration is a duet, musically and personally.
Technology
I have taught violin lessons online since 2008 and have found student progress and achievement to be equal to in-person lessons. With time, I have been able to eliminate or successfully mitigate the challenges involved (e.g., physical instruction, playing at the same time). And, importantly, I've found my relationships with my students to be just as warm and meaningful.
The many benefits and conveniences of online lessons are obvious, and need no elaboration.
I use Zoom to stream lessons. It is free and does not require registration. If you are not familiar with the app please take a moment to make a test call to Zoom Meeting Test.
Please note: Due to my full schedule, I am unable to give extra lesson time to students who experience technical issues. Keep your phone handy as a backup plan—we can finish the lesson that way, if necessary.
Payment
Lesson cost: I teach 60-, 45-, and 30-minute lessons. Cost: $60, $45, $30 USD per lesson (paid monthly).
My monthly master class is $20 USD.
Payment method depends on location:
American students: Zelle
Canadian students: Interac e-Transfer
Overseas students: Wise
Payment Policy
Payment is due before or on the first day of each calendar month or a late fee of $10 is applied.
Important: There are no make-ups for lessons missed or canceled on the day of the lesson (for any reason), and the monthly fee remains the same. Remember, you are paying for a lesson time, not the lesson itself. Make-ups are only possible, but not guaranteed, when I am contacted by email at least 24 hours before a scheduled lesson.
Extended absences: If you need to take a month’s break (or longer) at any time during the year, there are two options: (1) I move you to the waiting list, or (2) pay your normal monthly fee to retain your lesson time for your return.
Please note: There are no schedule or policy changes during summer.
Approach
I accept students of all skill levels, from beginners to university students majoring in music. Depending on the student, I blend a variety of methods, from Suzuki to traditional to the Dorothy DeLay pedagogical approach.
My primary intention is to help each student experience the joy that arises from the sensitive and soulful expression of music making, whether alone or in collaboration or performance. This only becomes possible when the proper fundamentals (technique, rhythm, note reading, ear training etc.) are carefully nurtured and developed.
While technique, precision, and progress are important, it is more important to me that each lesson is a safe, loving, and encouraging learning environment.
Parents of very young students will need to attend lessons. While there is some physical involvement, I ask that you let me be the only teaching voice during lessons (I will ask you if I need help), and to please address misbehavior.
Practice
During each lesson I will prepare a complete practice chart for your week of practice to come. I have constructed and revised it to provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step framework for a typical practice session. In order to advance as efficiently and quickly as possible, it is best to do the exercises in the chosen order, with careful attention to the precise details I have provided. Lessons comprise only one hour a week, while practice time at home comprises many more hours; an essential part of my role is to prepare you to make those hours as meaningful as possible. Use practice time wisely. More advancement can be made in 15 minutes of focused practice than in two hours of careless practice.
Obstalces of every variety--technical, psychological, and emotional--are inevitable. It's important we meet them with patience and gentleness. Our collaboration is a duet, musically and personally.
Technology
I have taught violin lessons online since 2008 and have found student progress and achievement to be equal to in-person lessons. With time, I have been able to eliminate or successfully mitigate the challenges involved (e.g., physical instruction, playing at the same time). And, importantly, I've found my relationships with my students to be just as warm and meaningful.
The many benefits and conveniences of online lessons are obvious, and need no elaboration.
I use Zoom to stream lessons. It is free and does not require registration. If you are not familiar with the app please take a moment to make a test call to Zoom Meeting Test.
Please note: Due to my full schedule, I am unable to give extra lesson time to students who experience technical issues. Keep your phone handy as a backup plan—we can finish the lesson that way, if necessary.
Payment
Lesson cost: I teach 60-, 45-, and 30-minute lessons. Cost: $60, $45, $30 USD per lesson (paid monthly).
My monthly master class is $20 USD.
Payment method depends on location:
American students: Zelle
Canadian students: Interac e-Transfer
Overseas students: Wise
Payment Policy
Payment is due before or on the first day of each calendar month or a late fee of $10 is applied.
Important: There are no make-ups for lessons missed or canceled on the day of the lesson (for any reason), and the monthly fee remains the same. Remember, you are paying for a lesson time, not the lesson itself. Make-ups are only possible, but not guaranteed, when I am contacted by email at least 24 hours before a scheduled lesson.
Extended absences: If you need to take a month’s break (or longer) at any time during the year, there are two options: (1) I move you to the waiting list, or (2) pay your normal monthly fee to retain your lesson time for your return.
Please note: There are no schedule or policy changes during summer.