"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart."

- Shinichi Suzuki

About Suzuki

"I've heard about the Suzuki method - isn't that where you don't learn how to read music?"

  Suzuki noticed that a young baby learned how to speak by listening to their environment and growing into their ability. Should a person be forced to learn how to read before they are allowed to form sentences and gain a vocabulary? Reading comes as the child develops. The same should be true with learning to play an instrument as complex as the violin. The Suzuki method works to develop a strong ear and focuses on reading music when they are ready.

"How can you start a child so young?"

  Baby steps! When you teach things in small enough increments, anyone, any age can learn how to play the violin! By teaching techniques in small parts, the student's confidence grows because there is always a forseeable horizon, always another small victory celebrated.

About the Beyond

The violin is a tool used for musical expression all over the world, from a orchestra in Vienna, or in a polka band in eastern Europe, in a chamber setting in China and even in an electric blues band in Chicago. Learning different styles and how to create your own music is a wonderful and critical part of education. My goal is not to create professional violinists (however, I would be pleased!), my goal is to help the students learn to express themselves the best they can on their instrument.

My students learn early about alternative styles, such fiddle, celtic and Jazz, side by side with classical repertoire. Improvisation is also introduced. The most important thing is that the students should enjoy themselves! If you don't like what you are doing, there is no motivation to continue.  Bach is as fun to play as the blues, especially when you have the ability to play both!