Maestro Certain began studying the Violin at age 2 - he was privileged to begin his Violin studies after his 'initial' Study Session with Dr. Suzuki himself at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Suzuki happened to be in Dallas as a guest Professor of Violin in December of 1964. After the Study Session with Dr. Suzuki, he 'highly suggested' to Mrs. Certain," that young Rand begin Private Violin Instruction immediately!!". Thus began Maestro Certain's 19 year Violin & Piano training under the instruction of Mr. & Mrs. Franklin Washburn of Dallas, Texas (University Park). Maestro Certain received instruction from the following respected teachers:
Franklin Washburn - Mr. Washburn studied with Ivan Galamian. In the early 1960's, Mr. Washburn created the Dallas Junior Honors Orchestra, as well as teaching the violin privately for more than 40 years. Maestro Certain studied with Mr. Washburn for 19 years, prior to attending the Hurley School of Music at Centenary College in Shreveport, La. on a full violin performance scholarship.
Laura Crawford - Mrs. Crawford is the founder and director of the Centenary Suzuki School. She is also on the faculty of Centenary College where she teaches violin, chamber music, string methods, and string pedagogy.
Samuel Applebaum - Mr. Applebaum was a noted and enthusiastic teacher of the violin. He wrote a number of respected books on violin instruction.
Yehudi Menuhin - Baron Menuhin was an American violinist and conductor who spent most of his performing career in the United Kingdom. Yehudi Menuhin had one of the longest and most distinguished careers of any violinist of the twentieth century. By the age of seven his performance of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto had found him instant fame. As a teenager he toured throughout the world and was considered one of the greats long before his twentieth birthday.
Maestro Certain attended the following:
* Centenary College-Hurley School of Music
* Oklahoma State University
* Interlochen Michigan
Maestro Certain has performed with the following orchestras:
* Richardson Symphony
* East Texas Symphony
* Marshall Symphony
* Shreveport Symphony
Maestro Certain has performed with:
* Violinist Itzaak Perlman
* Fiddlin' Frenchie Burk
* Chubby Wise
* Randy Travis
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Dr. Certain teaches ages 3 to adult, from beginner to advanced levels.
Certain Music is a family, traditional style of private music lessons. We serve the Plano, Van Alstyne & North Texas area with private violin lessons, piano lessons, music theory & conducting instruction for any age and skill level. Dr. Certain is a professional member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).
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Reviews (5)
Wes & Jill Palmer
Apr 09, 2022
Dr Certain and Ms Gaby were amazing with our two boys. Our youngest had his first recital with piano at the age of 5 with so much confidence. We were very impressed that from the very beginning they were learning music theory and not just memorizing music. You can definitely tell they both have a love for music and teaching their students. We love supporting small local businesses and we were so sad to leave Certain Music due to our move.
Lynn L.
Feb 22, 2018
We love Certain Music. My girls had taken music lessons from a number of other companies, but none that ever seemed worth my money or our time. Dr. Certain teaches a traditional method that includes not just playing the instrument, but also reading the notes, terminology, hand positions, music theory and good practice skills. I am so glad we finally found Certain Music.
Stacie Cuvi
Wai Mun Hah
Dr Certain is an awesome violin teacher. Sean has been learning from Dr Certain since last August and he is loving it. Dr. Certain is very passionate about teaching violin. He is a very patient teacher and he cares deeply about his students. We can't say enough good things about him and we are so glad that Sean has him as his violin teacher.
Lynn Lozano
We love Certain Music. My girls have taken music lessons from a number of other companies, but none that ever seemed worth my money or our time. Dr. Certain teaches a traditional method that includes not just playing the instrument, but also reading the notes, terminology, hand positions, music theory and good practice skills. I am so glad we finally found Certain Music.