About Violin Teacher

About Marnie Thies, Twin Cities Violin Instructor

I have been teaching violin for 19 years.

My interest in the violin began when my kindergarten class studied the letter ‘v’ and my teacher’s son played the violin. My teacher asked if anybody wanted to learn to play the violin and I raised my hand.  Shortly after this, I began violin lessons.

My Violin Teaching Method

It should be noted that I am not the typical Suzuki violin teacher because I introduce note reading as soon as the student is ready.  It is rewarding for the student when they learn a piece by reading music without the aid of a teacher.  Being able to play from sheet music helps the student progress at a faster rate.  In a youth orchestra audition, students are asked to sight read.  For this reason, I like to incorporate note reading in each lesson as part of the students’ music education.

During my early study of the violin, I had developed a faulty technique which took years to correct.  For that reason I highly stress proper technique for my students in all stages of study.

The Suzuki method of teaching does an excellent job of developing a student’s ear. Learning to play the violin without sheet music can be rewarding to a beginning student because they can play music they have heard.  Other genres of music, such as the fiddle piece, Misty Moonlight Waltz, can be played by ear.

A chief component of the Suzuki method is parental involvement.  I have observed that when student’s parents, both musical and non-musical, coach their child’s practice at home, musical progress is greater.  In a typical lesson, I demonstrate to both students and parents how to practice and what technical aspect should be practiced at home.  Knowing how to practice is an important part of a violin student’s music education so they can reap the rewards of practicing.

My Teaching Philosophy

My interest in teaching the violin began during my first year of graduate school while pursuing my Masters Degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University. I believe that studying music teaches work ethic, persistence and discipline which can help students be successful in life.

I have taught using the Suzuki method since 2002.  From 2005 through 2019, I have traveled to the Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to refine my teaching skills and get new ideas for teaching.  In particular, I look for various ways to teach the same thing.  This is important because students learn differently.  I like the challenge of finding the optimal teaching tools for every student.

I enjoy working with students five years of age and older as well as adults.