Private Viola & Violin Teaching and Chamber Music Coaching
in the studio of Dr. Miriam English Ward
email: thejoyfulviolist@gmail.com for enrollment
My Teaching Philosophy
I teach using a blend of traditional classical approaches in addition to Suzuki and Sassmanshaus style pedagogy. My focus is on student ownership of their own motivation and practice of music, and on developing a lively curiosity about their own skills and progression within the pieces we play. Music is such a fantastic creative outlet; my studio and I enjoy exploring practical skill development in order to deepen both expression and personal connection to what we learn.
Studio Expectations and Requirements
Students will be encouraged and guided toward developing a strong daily practice habit including age-appropriate goals and length of time set aside in daily life. A basic habit of practicing throughout the week is required. This is a habit I have spent decades developing in myself and I find it rewarding to share what has helped me practice consistently. Like many complex and time-consuming habits, practicing regularly requires intentional and steady checking in and often some form of tracking in order to become “second nature”.
For younger students (children k-12), a family must assist them by both setting aside this time and supporting them by protecting it. I am eager to provide ideas for how to do this as a family, having learned from my own three children who play 6+ instruments they have also chosen themselves.
Students who don’t have this habit or the support to develop it sometimes develop an unfortunate guilt-based relationship with music. I am quite driven to avoid this situation, instead encouraging musicians to establish a practice habit which will benefit them in so many ways. They continually learn how they best learn, support themselves in developing a deeply personal form of grit & resilience, how to work through the discomfort of nerves, and they are welcomed into the historic and global conversation of those who love this art form.
Pricing
Private Viola and Violin lessons
45-minute weekly lessons are $50 each
60-minute weekly lessons are $75 each
Students commit to regular daily practice between lessons, building with my guidance to an age-appropriate habit of consistent blocks of time.
Small group chamber music coaching
45-minute weekly group chamber music coaching sessions are $75 for duos, trios and quartets.
60-minute weekly group chamber music coaching sessions are $100 for duos, trios and quartets.
Larger ensembles can also be arranged.
Location
Private Studio (able to accommodate ensembles and rehearsals with piano)
East Anchorage- 10 minutes past the Alaska Botanical Garden in Far North Bicentennial Park
2. University of Alaska, Anchorage: Fine Arts Building
3. Virtual lessons: While this is no one’s preferred medium, I do sometimes take on remote non-beginner students over the magic of the internet.
