My experience includes 30 years of orchestral work, including 1st violin, Principal 2nd violin, concert mistress, soloist, and music director. Ensemble playing is, of course, the most likely goal of the majority of violinists. I teach all the major orchestral literature using bowing and fingering from a variety of exciting conductors. It is a joy to work with students on their school ensemble work, and I regularly teach by playing duets with my students.
Solo music is very important, but not the whole story. Most of us will want to play in an orchestra or other ensemble. While solo music is important, it is not the whole story. I teach duets right at the beginning, so ensemble elements become natural.
Letter from a parent:
Ann Dunn has been my daughter’s violin teacher for the last three and a half years. During this time, Shavit’s violin playing improved beyond measure. Ann taught her proper bowing technique, as well as advanced fingering that vastly enhanced the sound Shavit makes when she plays. Ann is sensitive to her students’ abilities and interests. She challenges them to stretch their knowledge and expand their musical repertoire. She is a demanding teacher, who increases gradually the musical pieces sophistication level to keep the students always engaged. My daughter loves her violin lessons and is very proud of her achievements. This year she auditioned and was accepted into a high school string orchestra, despite being a 6th grader! She also became the Concertmaster of her middle school string orchestra. During the last two years of her elementary school she was accepted into and performed with the All Schools Honor Orchestra at UCLA! Ann Dunn is a caring teacher, who encourages her students to play their best. We credit Shavit’s demonstrated success to Ann’s fabulous violin teaching skills.!!!!!
Dr. Vered Mirmovich, Culver City, CA