My teaching philosophy at its most broad is that every student has a voice and something important to say.  From the very beginning, I push students to use music as communication and not just as a dexterity exercise.  I also believe in the uniqueness of that voice.  I want my students to sound like themselves, and to that end, I strive to find out what works best for a particular student. 

I teach using the Suzuki Method, which I believe is the best way for a young student to learn to play the violin or viola.  I am registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for Violin Book 1 through 3 (at this level violin and viola are interchangeable).

About the Suzuki Method

The Suzuki Method is an approach to music education developed by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki over fifty years ago based on how children learn their native tongue.  Since then, his teachings have been acclaimed the world over.  His basic ideas are:
-"Mother-tongue approach"
Children learn music best when they learn it the way they learn their own language, i.e. by hearing it over and over
-Repetition
When a piece is completed, the student doesn't stop practicing it, but reviews it at every lesson
-Parental Involvement
Parents are monumentally important- you're the home teacher!
For more information on the Suzuki Method, please visit the Suzuki Association of the Americas.