From Steven S.
The Harris Conservatory of Music
I have previous musical experience, namely with the bass guitar. I’ve been playing bass for nearly 20 years now and I have had instruction in the past, but it wasn’t quality. The teacher would give me something to work on for the next week but would never course-correct me, everything felt like it was done by rote.
Things couldn’t be more different with Viviana and it’s all for the better. She is is not only someone that corrects me, she is exceedingly patient and honest, which is what I need. When I play through a piece she will constructively critique my playing and it forces me to better myself. It’s not just rushing through one book to the next like I have experienced in the past. She persuades me to actually feel the music and understand all of the musical ideas before we move on. She is super honest, but in a constructive manner. For example, I have serious performance anxiety issues where I could play a piece perfectly by myself 10 out of 10 times but when I go to show her I become anxious and shaky, unable to play the piece. I told her that I’m just learning piano for myself and don’t plan on playing in front of people (an excuse) but she saw right through that and made me play the piece over and over again, trying to push my boundaries. It’s this active correcting that I love most, it’s really hard to meet my own standards but she guides me along the way.
Viviana also makes the most out of the time given. Unfortunately due to current circumstances (with COVID-19 as I type this) I had to change my lessons from 45 minutes to 30 (I deeply want to go back to 45 mins or even an hour), but when I made the switch to 30 she not only completely understood my circumstances, she also makes the most out of the time given. There’s very little time for chatting around, she says “okay we only have 30 mins, let’s go, go go!” and I love that. There was no pressure from her side when I had to unfortunately move from 45 mins to 30, she very actively makes every single minute count. She also made every minute count when I did 45 minute lessons , but I could definitely sense her urgency when it came to maximizing our 30 minute lessons . Please, if you pick Viviana as your teacher (and you should) then utilize her for as much time as possible, she will work with your schedule no matter what.
In the end, as a student she certainly deserves the highest possible praises. She is very knowledgeable but also forgiving given your current skill level. She adapts to where you are and plans your best route moving forward. I originally thought I would take 4-8 lessons to correct myself and then go the self-learning route, but more and more I realize that she is such a valuable asset towards my progression. If you want maximum progress for you time then going with Viviana is a no-brainer. Just do it, after a few lessons you will see the light. Give it a little time, I originally thought I could be on my own but after just a few lessons I learned that I need her. I will continue to work with her for as long as feasibly possible. She has a deep understanding of psychology, so when I’m falling flat she will explain why I’m falling flat but in a psychological manner and she is able to explain where and why I’m going wrong. This was completely unexpected for me, she can pinpoint exactly where your problem areas are both mentally and physically.
She also teaches voice lessons . Before COVID-19 was a thing I heard her teaching voice lessons and she uses the same approach, and it works. Do yourself a favor and learn in the most efficient way possible! You will not regret it! She is also very flexible. As I mentioned COVID-19 is wreaking havoc around the globe as I type this, but she is still able to provide lessons via FaceTime or whatever platform you prefer. She works with you, so please take her up! I certainly don’t regret it. You won’t either.
In the end, she makes me feel good about where I’m heading, and I feel good because she is my guiding light. Let her be your guiding light too and I promise you will see yourself making progress far faster than you would have originally thought! It’s worth it, I promise you. Ask yourself this: Do you want it? If you honestly do then go with Viviana. She will show you the way! The rest is up to you.
