FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
When I first meet a new student, I like to ask why they have chosen to play the violin. Having an idea of what motivates my students helps me understand them better in a private lesson setting. If I am working with someone who is completely new to the instrument, I start by teaching technical foundations. I am a true believer that when a musician has a good technical foundation, they will in time develop more freedom to soar with their musical instincts. When working with a student who has prior experience, I believe it is important to assess their current skill level. That way we can work together to create goals and priorities for how the student would like to move forward.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over 20 years of experience playing the violin. I studied violin performance at Carnegie Mellon University, and also have a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Music K-12. I was trained in the Suzuki method from a very young age, which has given me a deep understanding of the technical foundations of violin playing. With that said, I believe an important aspect of my teaching is influenced by my array of performance experience, and the multitude of musical styles that I have been able to jump into throughout my career. I have performed in many different settings: orchestral, chamber, musicals, contemporary improvisation, rock, jazz, folk, bluegrass, etc. I am a passionate improviser and constantly work to stylize my own playing in new ways. These skills give me the opportunity to work with students in a multitude of genres.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I was first asked to mentor a younger student when I was 12 years old. The student was much younger than me and had just purchased her first violin. Throughout my High School years I continued to mentor and teach other students. I fell in love with the unique opportunities a private lesson setting allows, and was so happy to see the way my students progressed. Since then I have continued teaching private lessons, and have also spent time working in public/private school settings - both with orchestras and small groups.