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VIOLIN TEACHERS
I am a performer, teacher, and lifelong student of the violin. I strive to connect with others through living musical experiences and develop joyful learning, creativity, and intentionality in students.
My performances and classes are creative playgrounds driven by a technique-based approach to the violin, a movement-centered approach to music, and a firm belief in all that is possible. Classrooms become environments where students are supported as they experiment and collaborate in their chosen forms of expression. Performances allow the opportunity to communicate and connect through centuries of repertoire that speaks to my heart—and, I hope, to yours too.
Eunice Elie is a musician as well as a master instructor in string instruments including Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano.She has a masters degree in music education and has been training accomplished musicians for over thirty years. Eunice uses both the Suzuki and Traditional methods, and is a certified Suzuki instructor with masters certification.Many of her students have gone on to become great performers, wonderful teachers, and top-notch musicians.She trains both beginners and advanced students, so if you want to make "Beautiful Music" you've come to the right place!
Megan (Meggie) Evans is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Violin Performance at Arizona State University, a former student of Professor Danwen Jiang, and current student of Dr. Katie McLin. A double threat, she earned her Masters of Music Performance in Violin and Clarinet in 2021 at the University of Denver, as well as a Suzuki Violin Pedagogy Certificate. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Violin and Clarinet Performance, with honors, at La Sierra University in 2017. She was awarded “Outstanding Senior of the Year” in Music Performance as well. Evans has played in masterclasses by the esteemed Joseph Silverstein, Elmar Oliveria, Arturo Delmoni, and Elaine Skorodin.
Dagmara Suchon was born in Poznan, Poland. Following centuries of family tradition, she began playing the violin at three years old. Her father, Stanislaw Suchon, the concertmaster of Poznan Philharmonic Orchestra, was her first master. Under the guidance of Prof. Michal Grabarczyk, Dagmara was honored by professors from The Moscow Conservatory, and graduated a Master of Arts-Violin Performance, from the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Conservatory in Poznan, Poland. She also studied with Wanda Wilkomirska, Marina Jashvili, Abram Stern, Alexander Treger, Jeremy Cohen and Murray Adler. Coming from a family of musicians with extensive musical traditions, Dagmara's performances have ranged from ancient music ensembles, to classical symphony orchestras, to corporate shows with an electric violin. For more visit Daga’s website:www.ladydaga.us
Kate Bivona is a violinist, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and educator who lives in Tempe, Arizona. She holds a Master of Music degree in classical violin performance from the University of Texas in Austin where she studied with Brian Lewis, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Arizona State University where she studied with Dr. Katie McLin. Though she specialized in classical music for many years, Kate has always loved many different genres and has a passion for creating so in 2017, she began writing and performing her own music. Kate has also spent the last seven years playing and recording in different bands in both the Austin and Phoenix live music scenes. She is a regular performer in both classical music and alternative genres in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.
In addition to performing, Kate loves to teach music and offers private lessons in all levels of violin. She is certified in Every Child Can and Suzuki Book 1 for violin and received her training from Laurie Scott. Kate has been teaching private lessons to people of all ages for the past seven years, from children as young as age seven to adults in their sixties. She believes that anyone can learn to play an instrument regardless of their level of experience.
Over my sixteen years of experience as a Suzuki violin instructor, I have worked extensively with students ages three to adult, students with beginner through advanced skill levels, and students with a range of disabilities. Additionally, I have taught elementary orchestra in the Mesa Public Schools since 2016. From teaching in diverse settings, I am accustomed to adapting my teaching style to fit the needs of the individual learner. My private students have been accepted into orchestras across the valley such as the Metropolitan Youth Symphonies and the Phoenix Youth Symphony String Orchestra. As an educator, I strive to create a joyful learning process while giving each student a strong foundation to enable success in all of their musical endeavors.
Cathy Alonzo is a professional Violist, Violinist, and Fiddler located in beautiful Surprise, Arizona. With an extensive history of performance and instruction, she welcomes students from 8 to 80 to visit her online or at her in-home music studio for lessons. Visit the lesson page for more details.
Free trial lesson available for all students!
DIMITRI LAZARESCU (Phoenix area )
(Advanced students only-Zoom classes)
I have been a violin teacher since 1972, upon receiving my Master’s Degree from Ciprian Porumbescu Music Conservatory in Bucharest, Romania. I have taught violin and viola at the Dinu Lipatti High School in Bucharest until my defection in 1980. I have joined The Phoenix Symphony in 1982 and taught violin privately ever since. A product of the Russian School, I put the accent on developing the right posture and technique for playing the violin.
I believe music is the one thing that no matter what happens, it is there, and it always leads you somewhere. Music has enriched my life, and my passion is to share it with others. I began playing at age 11, studied in Arizona, New York and Minneapolis, earned my Masters in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Arizona State University Herberger Institute. I have taught violin to students of all ages and levels for over 15 years. My students have participated in Arizona Regionals and All-State Orchestras, have won competitions and college scholarships. My teachers included William Magers, Charles Avsharian, Skye Carmen, Sally O'Reilly, Mark Rush, Katie McClin and Danwen Jiang. My performance experience in classical, improvisation, celtic and country fiddle, has given my teaching diversity in musical styles and genres with a solid core of classical technique. I teach at my home studio near Warner and McClintock in Tempe, am willing to drive to students homes when possible, and offer remote lessons in many formats. Contact me at: 480-268-5758, hhviolin@gmail.com, or facebook.com/heidehillelive
I graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho with my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Dance. I've taught violin lessons for a number of years and to a variety of students both young and not so young!
Music has always been a passion of mine, and I want to help you or your child feel the same excitement. Theory, musicality and proper technique are just a few of the things I find essential in a musician's education. These fundamentals will be the foundation for you or your child's musical lesson experience.
It will take time and dedication in order to play like a professional. So do not be discouraged if you do not sound like Lindsey Sterling or Charlie Daniels after your first few lessons. If you are dedicated to learning then I am dedicated to teaching you!
Megyn Neff maintains the Neff Violin Studio in Central Phoenix (7th St exit off the I-10), and accepts beginners as young as 4 years old, up to the advanced high school student or adult enthusiast. Private lessons and group classes available. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Performance Pedagogy at ASU under Dr. Katie McLin, and received her BM in Performance at NAU under Dr. Louise Scott, where she also completed long-term Suzuki pedagogy training in Books 1-3. Megyn has received additional Suzuki teacher training from pedagogues across the country, and teaches at workshops and institutes around the state.
Alexandra Young grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and has been playing the violin since age 9. She attended Northern Arizona University on an orchestra scholarship, where she discovered her passion for the Suzuki Method. She graduated cum laude from NAU with degrees in Violin Performance and Instrumental Music Education. As a performer, Alex has served as principal second violin in the Northern Arizona University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and was a finalist in the NAU Concerto Competition in 2008. She played as a section violinist in the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra for three seasons, and attended the Brevard Music Center in the summer of 2011 on a full scholarship. She currently performs locally with the Arizona Pro Arte orchestra in Tempe, AZ, as well as playing with chamber groups throughout the valley. She has studied violin with Louise Scott, Shelley Rich, and Phyllis Skoldberg.
Violinist Jennifer Rhodes has loved working with over 200 private students during her 15 years of teaching. She currently teaches high school aged, intermediate to advanced violin students from her home studio in Gilbert. Her students become independent learners and joyful musicians through strategic practicing techniques, personal goal setting, and regular positive performance experiences.
She may be contacted at jennie.salmon@gmail.com.
Ms. Klopfenstein was born and raised in the Midwest and began performing with her sisters in a family band at a young age. A classically trained violinist, violist, and pianist, she is also a bluegrass fiddle champion and Celtic fiddler. She is a self-taught guitarist and ukulele player, learning to play whilst traveling on the road, performing music for people on street corners, bus stations, subways, and cafes. Ms. Klopfenstein is a certified Suzuki instructor, studying pedagogy with Mr. Edward Kreitman, a student of the sensei, Dr. Suzuki. Ms. Klopfenstein is a freelance performer, performing in professional and community orchestras, various ensembles, special events, has been a piano accompanist, singer, and director of both sacred and secular choirs, as well as teaching in K-12 public, private, and charter schools as a string director, choir director, and general music teacher.
I am a classically trained violinist and violist. I'm the fiddler for the Irish rock band, The Brazen Heads, and for many years I played reggae with Walt Richardson & The Peaceful Warriors. I give private violin and viola lessons and do recording studio session work. I recently recorded on a track for the internationally known band Soulfly, which is on special editions and imports of their new CD "Enslaved". My playing was also heard on an episode of Discovery Channel's "A Haunting" with Latin guitarist Eddie Benitez and I've made numerous appearances on local TV. In the past I was in the 1st violin section of the Tempe Symphony.
Lia Taylor is the founder and director of the Suzuki Violin Studio of Phoenix. She has taught music for 13 years and has been teaching the Suzuki method in the Valley for the past six years. During that time, her students have placed in the American String Teachers Association Solo Competition, won the Scottsdale Musical Arts’ Young Artist Competition, and held Concertmaster and Principal Second positions in the Phoenix Youth Symphony String Orchestra.
Laura maintains a private violin studio in Tucson, Arizona and is a registered Suzuki Violin Teacher (Books 1-10). She completed long term Suzuki training in Violin at Northern Arizona University with Dr. Louise Scott. She has taken additional Suzuki training courses with Ronda Cole, Bill Dick, Daphne Hughes, Susan Kempter, John Kendall, Laurie Scott, Kathleen Spring, Beth Titterington, and attended Summer School in Matsumoto, Japan. She is currently the President of the Arizona Suzuki Association, Co-Founder and Director of the Chaparral Suzuki Academy in Prescott, and teaches at workshops and summer programs throughout Arizona.
Danica is a professional violinist in the valley with experience as both a chamber and an orchestral musician. Trained at the School of Music in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where she received her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Zagreb University, Danica obtained her Master of Music in Violin Performance from Arizona State University in 2006. Danica feels fortunate to be able to explore her two passions: love for teaching and expressing herself through performance. She maintains her private studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is also the adjunct faculty at the South Mountain Community College. She has taught at the Crestmont Conservatory of Music in the San Francisco Bay Area, the North Shore Music Academy in Vancouver, Canada, and the School of Music in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Ms. Hisami Iijima earned BM in Violin Performance from New England Conservatory of Music and MFA in Violin Performance from SUNY Purchase College Conservatory, where she received the Eugene and Emily Grant Scholarship. She went on to pursue Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, where she was awarded a fellowship to study with Arnold Steinhardt, the first violinist of the Guarneri Quartet. As a soloist, Ms. Iijima gave New York debut recital at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as a prize winner of the prestigious Artist International Audition. She was also featured as a soloist in a presentation of the Jeffrey Ballet of Chicage at the Spoleto Festival USA.
MOHAMED-ALY FARAG (WILL TRAVEL FROM ASU TEMPE)
Mohamed-Aly Farag was born in the United States in 1985. Raised in Egypt, he studied piano and violin at the Cairo Opera House Talent Development Centre for young musicians before going on to study violin performance at the University of Toronto and then obtaining a master of music degree in composition from the University of Western Ontario. Mohamed has performed as a member of the 1st violin section of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra. He was a prize-winner in international music competitions for composition, such as the International Dvořák Composition Competition in 2012 and the Zvi Zeitlin Composition Competition in 2014. Mohamed has 20+ years of teaching experience in violin and viola. He is currently located in Tempe, Arizona and is accepting students for violin and viola from intermediate to advanced levels of classical training. Mohamed will travel to his clients to teach if they are located within a 20 mile radius of the ASU Tempe campus.
SARAH HARTMAN (GILBERT)
Sarah Hartman began her musical journey at the age of three when she enrolled in Suzuki Violin lessons. She obtained a Bachelors degree in Violin Performance from Northern Arizona University where she was awarded an Orchestral Performance Scholarship. Sarah trained with Dr. Louise Scott to complete her Suzuki Violin Teacher Training Registration Books 1-5 and has also participated in many short-term Suzuki institutions in Flagstaff, Gilbert, and Tucson, Arizona, and Falls Church, Virginia.
Sarah's Suzuki Violin Studio offers individual Suzuki violin lessons to students of all ages and abilities in Gilbert, Arizona. The mission of Violin Hearts is to create an environment where all students can enjoy making music for a lifetime by excelling in violin.
SAMARA HUMBERT - HUGHES (CHANDLER)
I grew up in the Valley of the Sun in Mesa, AZ and joined the school orchestra in fourth grade on viola. Since then, my educational and performing pursuits have taken me all around the world.
After obtaining my Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Arizona State University and operating a private studio in Mesa for 5 years, I moved to Oregon. At the University of Oregon in the lovely northwest, I completed both my Master of Music and Doctorate in Musical Arts Degrees in Viola Performance with a supporting area in String Pedagogy.While in Oregon, I was fortunate to begin my journey as a registered Suzuki Method instructor, have a wonderful private studio and to teach at the Community Music Institute and in several capacities through the Arts Umbrella Organization.