PHILOSOPHY

 

My teaching approach is deeply rooted in the methods of Shinichi Suzuki, Paul Roland, Ivan Galamian, and Mimi Zweig.

Violin is ridiculously challenging.  It requires practice and hard work, and it will become frustrating at times. If you manage to stick with it, it is rewarding.  I encourage tenacity, organization, and consistency.

I emphasize exceptional technique, proper posture, and a beautiful sound over all else.  I do not blow through repertoire quickly.  If you are looking to pass through the Suzuki books in lighting speed, or to work on only school orchestra music, this is not the studio for you.

In the words of Ed Sprunger, if your child is a beginner, expect to move at a glacial pace! Parents of young students (typically ages 13 and younger) should expect to sit in on all lessons and help their child practice at home every day.  While in lessons, parents must resist instructing or correcting the child.

For young children, it is the parent’s responsibility to establish a practice routine at home.   Angie shows parents how to practice with their child in lessons.  It gets easier- you won’t have to sit in and practice with your child forever!

In addition to standard repertoire, advancing students become proficient in etudes, scales and arpeggios, and supplemental pieces.

Students have many opportunities to perform.  Performances help build a supportive community within the studio.