My Teaching Philosophy

Almost all children and adults can successfully play a musical instrument! From the very first sound, making music can be a positive and deeply satisfying experience. Music is a lifetime skill and every step on the journey to playing proficiency should be gratifying and motivating.

I utilize the Suzuki method as a starting point for beginning violinists. The Suzuki teaching method utilizes games, visualizations, and positive reinforcement to ensure that proper technique is established in an accessible and enjoyable way. My students make music at their very first lesson!

At every level of playing proficiency, there is a wealth of music in many genres – pop, jazz, classical, folk and world music – to be explored. Students build their technique playing material they personally enjoy. I design lessons around not only skill building, but also around the excitement of an in-the-moment experience that is a hallmark of live music performance.

Playing music with others is a satisfying way to creatively communicate. I regularly accompany my students on piano guitar, or other instruments to create varying harmonies and textures. We sometimes play in groups to hone skills and experience the full, rich sounds of ensemble playing. Students of all skill levels can participate in ensemble playing!

Reading music is a skill that all musicians should acquire. I teach music reading using a system I developed myself called the Note One system. This system demystifies the music reading process by immediately correlating a note played on the violin to a written note on the staff. I begin using the Note One music reading system only after the students are comfortable playing eighth notes on the violin. We locate the eight notes on the staff and then add information about bar lines and rhythmic note values. We then add information about time signatures and dynamics. Students typically become basic readers by the time they can technically play simple songs.

No two students are alike. All lessons are geared not only to students’ personal learning styles but also to their goals. Young students, for example, might have a goal of playing in a school orchestra. An adult might have a goal of playing for friends and family, or of adding violin as a second or third instrument. No matter what the goal or learning style, lessons are the foundation of the entire process of acquiring music skills. As a music educator, it is my job to tailor a fun and engaging lesson program for each student.

Student Testimonials

“My daughters (ages 6 & 8) love their violin lessons with Elaine! As a professional musician and music educator myself, I am impressed with her musical knowledge and technique. She is enthusiastic, encouraging, and kind toward my girls all while showing them that music can be fun!”

- Angelica B., Adjunct Voice Instructor Bluegrass Old Time and Roots Music Studies, East Tennessee State University

“I have known Elaine for more than 20 years, I have observed her teaching my stepdaughter, Bethany, as well as other students. She is a very thoughtful teacher who puts a lot of thought into how she presents the material. Her lessons were engaging, useful, and she was very patient with my stepdaughter in class, always encouraging her students to try. I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in learning violin.”

- Jessica J.

“The love and support you give your students creates a foundation for endless dreams and possibilities.”

- Teresa R.

“Honestly, I believe her passion is a major component to getting through to her pupil in the lessons: Abigail feeds off her love for the violin and is eager to play alongside her.”

- A student’s parent

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