Lessons

 

Teaching Philosophy

Everyone is capable of learning.  Learning is a process of experimentation and realization.  I cannot pass ability to you directly, but I can guide you to where it is.  Progress is most noticeable when everyone involved works individually and together to learn.  Those involved are the student, the teacher, the parents, and anyone else who wants to be involved.  I am here to pass on my own discoveries and joys of playing the violin, viola, and music in general.

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Suzuki Method

A world-renowned method for teaching violin as well as most other instruments, Dr. Shinichi Suzuki pioneered the method for teaching children from as young as 3 years old using a language learning acquisition model.  Just as children listen, absorb, and imitate the language around them, we set up an environment so that they may learn violin in the same way.  Aspects of both language learning and Suzuki violin learning include: immersion (listening and exposure), attempts to imitate what they have heard, repetition for mastery, and positive reinforcement.

The “Suzuki Triangle” is a necessary component of the Suzuki Method.  On each side of the triangle is a member participating in the student’s learning of the violin: the student, the teacher, and the helper(s).  Involvement and communication on all sides of the triangle are paramount.  The triangle is equilateral, so each member is equally important, equally respected, and equally involved.  Each side of the triangle has its own roles to fulfill but evolves with time.  The helper’s role, at first, is the most extensive.

The teacher’s responsibilities:

 

• Educate the parent(s) as teacher’s assistant at home

• Give suggestions to the parent(s) and the student for how to practice, listen to recordings, take notes,...

• Affirm and encourage the student’s and the parent’s roles

• Act as a role model to the child to be a musician and to the parent to be a teacher

• Continue learning and improving to become a better musician and teacher

 

The helper’s responsibilities:

 

• Play the recordings of the songs suggested by the teacher

• Attend lessons and take notes (written, recorded, pictures,..)

• Practice with the child at home as teacher’s assistant

• Become aware of how the child learns

• Learn the basic skills of the instrument

• Observe and learn from other children’s lessons

 

The student’s responsibilities:

 

• Respect the teacher and helper

• Will acquire skills and responsibilities (from the helpers) depending on their age and stage of development.

 

The motto of the Suzuki method and philosophy is “Every child can.”  Talent is learned, not inborn.  This applies to students of any age.  Anyone can learn if they apply time and practice.  There are no failures. Each student has their own learning rate and learning style.  It is the teacher’s and helpers’ jobs to accommodate the students’ learning.  The environment is key.  A good learning environment includes no distractions, positive feedback, positive attitudes, and good motivation.

 

Location

I teach at Von's Violin Shop at  6740 E Hampden Ave Suite #103, Denver, CO 80224!  Not only can you take violin or viola lessons with me here, but you can also rent an instrument, get instrument repairs, and more!  If you have questions about anything, be sure to contact me or Von's Violin Shop.​

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Scheduling

I will compare my calendar with the calendar of the student (and/or the parent of the student) to ensure a mutual time is available for a weekly lesson. If a lesson needs to be rescheduled or skipped, please contact me at least 24 hours in advance via my e-mail at treble441@comcast.net or my cell phone at 720-254-9205.

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I am a performing musician, so I have many events that will come up.  I am happy to be flexible as I can with your schedule.  I may ask for your flexibility as well.

 

Materials

A happy and successful student is one that puts forth an effort to practice daily and come to their lesson or go to practice with their instrument and materials including:

-Foamalin, violin or viola, and bow (please contact for help finding an appropriate instrument)

-Shoulder rest

-Suzuki Book (more for parent, student reference later on) and Suzuki CDs

-Notebook for parents' and students' notes

-Music Stand

-Metronome and Tuner (I recommend Tonal Energy for your phone tonalenergy.com)

-Pencil and eraser (pens will not do)

-Questions

-A good attitude

 

Dress Code

Students should dress *appropriately and comfortably for lessons. Playing an instrument requires a full range of motion. (*please ask if you need clarification)

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Cancellation Policy

I require at least 24 hours notice of cancellation before a scheduled lesson.  If a lesson is cancelled the day the lesson was supposed to take place, there will be no make-up.

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Miscellaneous

Recording of audio/visual may take place for the benefit of building good recording habits, performance habits, practice habits, and listening skills.