Music lessons Philadelphia

Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 2013
Masters of Music in Viola Performance in progress at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 2015

Ms. R. began her studies on violin at an early age. After studying violin for 10 years, she made the switch to viola and never looked back! She performs internationally-most recently traveling to the Isle of Man for the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition as a finalist to compete in the 2013 competition (this is one of the two international competitions in the world for viola!). In July of 2014,

Ms. R. will be returning to perform at the Interharmony International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy. She has studied as well as performed in Shanghai, Beijing and many other cities across China. Ms. R. is currently a graduate student at Temple University in Viola Performance as well as a freelance musician and private teacher of the violin and viola. Her principle teachers include international viola soloist, Hong Mei Xiao and Kerri Ryan of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Other interests in no particular order include ancient history, philosophy, astronomy, Earth science, veganism, quantum physics, traveling, spirituality, anything interesting and following her heart always.

When we first meet, I'll ask you to play me something so I can get a feel for where you are...whether its a scale or a piece you have been playing. If you don't know anything that's fine too! My lessons are designed around you so every lesson is a different depending on the student, however, below is an example of the materials generally covered.

Example Lesson
1. Warm up (scale, open strings, or finger exercises)
Address technical issues-tone production, posture and set up, various bow exercises, intonation, etc.
2. Positions
3. Etude
4. Repertoire
5. Recap

It might sound like a lot-but don't worry I'll have a smile on my face the whole time and be working with you and encouraging you to do your best!

After 3-6 months:
Read notes (if you can't when you first come)
Count rhythms
Have a correct set up
Full tone
Developed ear
Scales
Greater finger facility
Repertoire

*** Studio Equipment ***
Stand, Metronome, Tuner, Music (but eventually you will have your own) You will need to provide your own instrument.

My preferred teaching methods are Suzuki and Sassmannshaus, Mark O'Connor Fiddle Book (violin and viola)

Recital Opportunities
Studio recitals are held biannually in December and June! They are a great chance to perform for friends and family, as well as meet the rest of the studio. You do not have to perform, but are certainly encouraged to : )