Violin Studio Of Kaila Graef

Before beginning lessons, I invite prospective students to attend an introductory trial lesson. The trial lesson will give you a sense for my teaching style, an overview of how lessons progress, and allows me to answer any questions you have before beginning lessons. Please contact me if you'd like to arrange a time to meet.

People often mistakenly believe that only those with innate talent can learn the violin. This is not true. The ingredients necessary to learn a musical instrument are a commitment to daily practice and listening, a supportive environment, and an effective teacher. With these elements in place, anyone who desires can learn to play an instrument.

Shortly after World War II, the Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki (1898 - 1998) developed a teaching philosophy stemming from his belief that children could learn music in the same way they learn language. He called his method the mother-tongue approach, though today it is most commonly referred to as the Suzuki Method.

Ricci Adam's Music Theory: Excellent website. The music theory lessons are beautifully designed and cover basic through intermediate music theory. The site also contains note reading and ear training drills (listed under "Exercises"). Who wrote the music you're studying? Learning about the composer's life and the time period in which s/he lived will inform your interpretation of the music. For pieces in the Suzuki violin books, this excellent website will tell you the full name of the composer and the source material of the piece.

If you or your child are interested in beginning lessons, please contact me to set up an introductory trial lesson. Suzuki and traditional violin lessons in Amherst, Massachusetts for students of all ages, beginner through advanced.