learn to play the viola

Actually, I met a viola student on 43things (see my previous entry), so perhaps lightning will strike twice. I have been a viola (and violin) teacher for 4 years and I would be willing to offer advice on how to get started. It does not have to be prohibitively expensive, and it is not hard to find a viola or a teacher to start with.

If you live in the DC area (I’m in Arlington) I would be willing to actually teach you. You don’t have to have an instrument yet—that likewise can be arranged. I teach all levels with a hybrid traditional/Suzuki approach. If you are interested, just send me a message on 43things telling me a little bit more about why you want to play the viola and what you want to get out of it, and we’ll go from there.

Playing the viola has its unique challenges. It’s not just a big violin with a weird clef. Some people don’t understand that, but I’m sure that if you are wanting to play the viola that you are a bit more enlightened!

Go violists!

Like many others, I was a convert from the violin. I played violin all through high school, and one day I was handed a viola and told: it isn’t hard, play it. And I did. Little did I realize that I would end up playing it more and with more passion than I ever spent on the violin. It’s just… more me.

I teach both violin and viola now, but I play mostly viola (in chamber groups and such).

If you’re in the DC area and you want lessons, let me know.