Violin Lessons

Violin Lessons

Traditional and

Suzuki Methods for violin

• I offer 30, 45 and 1-hour lessons weekly

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For all beginners,
included in the lessons is an
eight-week introductory Suzuki violin course.

Biography: Sarah Almetus

Sarah Almétus began studying the violin at the age of 3. She earned her BM in Violin Performance & studied with Ruth Meints at Biola University. From there she went on to earn her MM at East Carolina University. She studied with Joanne Bath & Ara Gregorian. 

In 2001 she moved to Houston, TX where she became a member of the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra, taught privately & started a string program at two elementary schools. In 2006 she moved to Rochester, NY and joined the faculty at the Hochstein School of Music. There she co-founded the East String Quartet who performed at various venues including Hochstein's "Spotlight on Faculty" Series and at Eastman composers' forum. On numerous occasions she performed with “Ossia,” a new music ensemble at the Eastman School of Music. 

 

She now has an active studio in Davis where she currently has lived since 2008 with her husband & two boys. She has been on faculty as Lecturer in the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific since the Fall of 2020. She has also taught on faculty at the Omaha Conservatory of Music Summer Institute in 2015-2017. She presently plays with the Stockton Symphony & the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera and has also played with the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, the Solano Symphony & the Stockton Opera Orchestra.

Contact

If you are interested or have any questions about violin lessons you may contact Sarah at:

violicious25@yahoo.com

or you may also leave a comment below any of the links.

Traditional lessons

Usually the traditional approach is best for students who are junior high, high school age and above. Much of the philosophy of the Suzuki approach is continued, but more traditional pedagogical means will be used.

Outline of general lesson:

• Scales - 2 - 3 octaves

• Etude - piece for working on technique

• Current piece - can consist of 1 or more pieces focusing on finger dexterity (faster pieces) and/or a slow movement working on musical colors and phrasing, etc...

• Supplementary piece(s) - such as orchestra music, supplementary music for auditions or upcoming festivals, etc...

I encourage focusing on one technical aspect in your daily practice time.

The Suzuki Method

is a method that focuses on a positive learning environment, aural learning, group experience, ability development and the Mother-Tongue approach.

• Positive Learning Environment: The student can enter into a learning environment where they are safe and are free to discover music.
• Aural Learning: One of the main facets of learning a language is listening. Similar to learning a language music can be taught through aural emphasis: listening to classical music as well as assigned pieces. The importance of music in our environment is a significant aspect of the Suzuki Method.
• Group experience: Similar to a school setting, Dr. Suzuki gave much emphasis in learning in groups. Children especially, find much motivation and enjoyment from learning with their peers.
• Ability Development: The belief that anyone has the ability to learn. This ability is nurtured step-by-step.
• The Mother Tongue Approach: Dr. Suzuki, the founder, approached violin education in the same way a child learns to speak a language.