Are you ready to start playing a new instrument? Did you take a break from the violin and you want to come back to it? Are you a teenager looking for ways to improve and refine technique? Do you simply want to learn how to read music? My philosophy is that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn the violin and you are invited to learn!

I take students ages 8 and up adults. This includes adults who have never played violin and adults who have played in the past but are looking to get back into it. 

I use methods including but not limited to Suzuki books, Essential Elements, String Builder, and Paul Rolland/Stanley Fletcher. I focus on note-reading, and also think that playing by ear has strengths. I teach theory so that students can understand patterns and the depth of music. We work on exercises to develop techniques and find the best sounds. For songs and repertoire, we assess the student goals regularly so we can make sure that we are aligned! 

Feeling motivated? Or maybe not so motivated? Here are some tips for your practice sessions!

1. If you are having an extra long practice session, you may want to break it up. If I have a few hours, I start with scales with various bowings and vary the tonic. Then, I move onto an etude or exercise of sorts. And lastly I end with the repertoire of top priority (what gig do I have coming up?). I maybe throw in some extra repertoire that may not be as much of a priority. Sometimes I change it up, but personally I like to start with a scale for a warm-up. Seems pretty standard, but it works for me!

2. Since working and raising a family, I don't have those hours and hours as much as I used to. Some days, I have to really shorten my session. I'll do at least a scale and whatever song or songs are top priority. If I have a particular passage that is eating me alive, I may only focus on that passage or even another exercise that will help me with that passage. Sometimes, I can only do the scale and exercise and skip the repertoire until next time. 

3. I personally don't use a practice chart (many of my adult students ask me how much time they should spend practicing and I don't quite have an answer for them at times). Rather, I have lists posted on my walls of my practice space. These are living documents that I may replace later on as time passes and goals & repertoire changes. If you want to keep track of minutes, you can use a calendar or a notebook. There are a lot of practice charts out there!

4. If you have a piano or tuner, metronome, mirror, thing to record yourself, those can be helpful. 

5. Listening to what you're working on, studying the scores, and even singing the notes help. 

6. Find a group to play with! There are many out there, and we can find one for you. 

Using materials that I've acquired & created in my career as a teacher, I would love to help you in your language journey!

• 10+ Educator for Utah Spanish Dual Immersion 

• Administered AAPPL test and assessments and students had excellent results

• Students gained confidence and engaged frequently. Parents would express how much their student used Spanish at home because they were in my class

• I strive to make language learning a safe and fun endeavor.

• Administered WIDA for English Language Learners with strong results

Math practice for grades 3-6

(Short or Long Term)

• Monitor and teach concepts math, English literacy, and science integration 

• Differentitaed instruction -- I can work with your student on their level!