Master’s in Violin Performance • Suzuki Teacher Training (Books 1–10) • Teaching since 2004
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No long-term commitment required. I’ll respond within 24 hours so you can decide if this is a good fit.
Feeling stuck with your practice?
Many violin students feel stuck because they don’t know how to fix problems that come up during practice on their own.
This is not a replacement for lessons. It is focused support for the practice process outside of lessons, where most students need the most guidance.
Who this is for
This is a good fit for:
- Adult beginners who want clearer direction on how to practice effectively
- Returning players rebuilding confidence and technique
- Students who practice regularly but feel stuck or plateaued
- Parents supporting children who need stronger home practice routines
- Students preparing for auditions or youth orchestra placement
- Anyone who wants more efficient, focused practice sessions
Common practice problems I help with
- A student practices daily but doesn’t hear improvement
- An adult beginner isn’t sure what to actually do during practice time
- A student freezes or gets frustrated on the same difficult passage every day
- A parent doesn’t know how to guide home practice without lessons themselves
- A returning player has the skills but not the confidence to trust their playing
What we work on
Each session is customized, but may include:
- Practice planning and weekly structure
- Technique troubleshooting (bow hold, intonation, shifting, posture) — I identify the specific mechanical issue and break it into small, correctable steps you can practice at home.
- Rhythm and metronome work
- Breaking down difficult passages into manageable steps
- Efficient practice strategies (how to improve in less time) — I’ll show you what to focus on first so practice time isn’t wasted on the wrong thing.
- Building consistency, confidence, and independence
The goal is not just to practice more—but to practice with purpose.
What a Session Looks Like
A student might come in stuck on a fast passage they’ve practiced daily with no improvement. In a session, we’d slow the passage down, isolate exactly where the hand loses coordination, and build a specific practice sequence — often just 2-3 minutes of focused repetition — that actually resolves the sticking point, rather than repeating the same struggle at full speed.
How it works
Support is available through:
- In-person sessions (for local students)
- Online video sessions
We focus on what is currently limiting your progress and create a clear, practical plan for what to work on between sessions.
Student Background
My students include adult beginners, returning players, and youth orchestra students preparing for auditions and advanced repertoire. Many use structured practice strategies and focused technical work to build steady, long-term progress.
Why this is different from regular lessons
Regular lessons cover repertoire, technique, and musical development as a whole.
Violin Practice Help focuses specifically on how you practice independently—the part of learning that happens between lessons.
This is especially helpful if you feel like you understand things in lessons but struggle to apply them consistently at home.
Frequently asked questions
Is this only for advanced students?
No. This is often most helpful for beginners and returning players who want to build strong habits early or rebuild confidence with clear direction.
Do you still teach practice strategies in regular lessons?
Yes. Practice guidance is always part of lessons. This service is for students who want additional focused support when they feel stuck applying things on their own.
Do I have to take lessons from you to get practice help?
No, this isn’t necessary, but you’re welcome to.
How long is a session?
Session length depends on the student’s needs—sessions are 30, 45, or 60 minutes long.
Is in-person or online coaching effective for violin?
Yes. I identify the same technical issues whether we’re working in person or over video, and we build a practice plan you can follow at home either way.
Get started
If you feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure how to move forward in your practice, this is a good place to start.
You can reach out to schedule a session or ask whether this type of support is a good fit for you.
Available in Falcon Heights (Mondays) • North Oaks (Tuesdays) • Mounds View (Thursdays) • Online
I’ll respond within 24 hours so you can decide at your own pace—no long-term commitment required.