teaching

Helping students connect with their own creativity through music is powerful and a core component of my teaching. I love to help students learn to convey musical ideas with confidence, discover effective practice habits, and establish technical ease whether in individual lessons, chamber music, or through community programming. I direct a private virtual violin studio, am on faculty at Suzuki Strings of Austin, the Assistant Director of Education at Salon Concerts, and a teaching artist with Austin Soundwaves.

I was on violin faculty at the San Francisco Community Music Center for four years, and served as camp director of two chamber music camps during the summer of 2018. I have been a resident teacher in the San Francisco Public Schools, a teaching artist at Summer Music West, a string coach with the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, and acted as a teaching assistant at New England Conservatory’s pre-kindergarden Project Step Classes to begin my teaching career. Under the guidance of the Cypress String Quartet, I was a part of the Music Moves Residency, reaching young musicians of the Bay Area alongside the Amaranth Quartet.

In violin lessons, the focus goes beyond the technical aspects of the violin, encouraging each student to flourish and reach their full potential. I believe that every student has the ability, drive, and capacity to succeed at, love, and learn from the violin. It will serve as the most meaningful musical outlet, a way to discover self-directed learning, and a way to engage with an entire community of musicians.

frequently asked questions

Q: When is the best time to begin lessons?

A: I really believe that now is the right time! Students as young as 3 can have wonderful success with violin. We will establish a musical foundation with listening, singing, movement, and pre-violin technical exercises. When the child is ready, we will move on to the violin and continue at their own pace. At that age, parent participation is essential for success. With children ages 7 and older, the parent will still help supervise and establish practice, but in my experience the child is excited and able to be a bit more independent.

Q: Can I learn the violin as an adult?

A: Absolutely! Whether you are an adult completely new to the instrument or have vague memories of playing the violin as a child, picking up the violin (again) and establishing a beautiful tone is absolutely within your reach. We will begin by identifying your goals, prioritize finding a great posture, and establish regular practice habits. You will be playing Twinkle with a beautiful tone in no time (and Vivaldi isn’t far off)!