Can you sum up your teaching style in a short paragraph?

I always start with the mechanics of playing, then try to engage the student in conversation about the musicality. It’s important to me for students to understand how to create sound, how to adjust, and how to pinpoint why a sound may not be what they wanted.

What do you want students to take out of lessons?

I want my students to be able to solve problems on their own. In lessons, they learn to listen carefully and identify any spots that are not quite right. Then, I ask them to tell me what might be going on. Is their bow parallel to the bridge? Are they using enough bow? Too little? We break down the problem into manageable parts, and practice individual techniques until they are able to play the way they hear in their mind.

Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had teaching?

Some of my favorite moments have been watching my students perform in the studio recitals I hold every year. Not only do they come away with a sense of accomplishment and pride, but they also have the opportunity to hear other students play and offer each other encouragement. When the younger kids hear some of my more advanced students play, they are blown away! I tell them, “That will be you in a few years if you keep practicing!”

What equipment or materials do you recommend for beginner students? Intermediate/advanced students?

Starting with the correct size violin is important! Some parents may not be aware their child will not be able to play a full size violin and should start with something smaller instead. The rental violins we have at the store will be much more reliable than anything you can find on the internet. We carry Yamaha and Eastman student violins that have a very good sound for beginners.

I ask every student to have a notebook for lessons. For beginner students, I use Songs for Little Players, Essential Elements, or Suzuki book 1. I also like Mark O’Connor’s violin/fiddle method and Music by Black Composers, compiled by Rachel Barton Pine. For my advanced students, I try to introduce the classics of violin repertoire, including Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas, Concertos by Mozart, Vivaldi, Viotti, etc, or encore pieces from Kreisler or Weiniawski.