Trevor M.

For beginner students, I start with Hal Leonard's "Essential Elements for Strings" Book 1. This book is not only great for learning the fundamentals of the instrument such as the names of the parts of the instrument, how to hold the instrument, etc. but it also the best book I have found to teach beginning students how to read music on the violin and viola. For more advanced students, I like to stick with a formula of three things: scales two-three octaves, an etude a piece used to focus on a specific technique, and solo repertoire. All students will also learn proper warm-up and cool-down methods, such as stretching and breathing techniques. I also like lessons to be organic, meaning that if there is something specific the student wishes to work on, or there is a specific problem they need help to overcome, we can focus on that as well.