Alameda String Academy

I believe a great relationship between a musician and their instrument starts first with a great relationship with their teacher. I work closely with students and their families to find the balance between learning a tough skill (let's be real) and having fun along the way. Parents are a big part of the success story for my students. We work together to discover what makes a student 'tick', and how to use positive growth mindset strategies to encourage a student in their studies.

​Is my child really ready to play for others? Won't they be too nervous? ... I get this question a lot, and guess what? Most of the time, the parents are actually more anxious than the child! I'm making something available to my students that most serious musicians don't get regularly until they go to college, and I'm seeing the benefits. With five studio classes a year, my students have frequent opportunities to hang out and listen to the other musicians in my studio. They get to share their music at different stages of the working process, which is so helpful for everyone to observe. They learn that they can encourage and inspire others, even when things aren't perfect. I love that! By the time the concert rolls around, they know what to expect, and can just focus on sharing their music and enjoying the experience.

Music. With people. Our kids need it. We need it. Plus, it's super fun and a fantastic way to inspire and encourage others! That's why it's a priority to me to teach ensemble skills and make opportunities abundant for my students. I teach these skills early, but in developmentally appropriate ways. I like to group students together based on skill level or musical interest. Sometimes, it's a duet or trio, and sometimes we arrange a piece for the entire studio, regardless of skill level. Playing with other instruments is an ear-opening experience. Students must learn to listen much more closely. They cooperate and collaborate in rehearsal and learn how to work flexibly with others in a team setting. And in a time when many of our kids will be interacting increasingly more through non-verbal social media, I think these skills will be even more valuable as they enter the wider world.