Listed below: San Francisco Bay Area string instrument teachers offering private lessons in a variety of styles.
Please contact the teachers directly for information on studio location, rates and policies.
Violin teachers organized by location then last name:
Alameda
Caitlin Keen/ Alameda Violin
www.alamedaviolin.com
Location: West End of Alameda
Ages: 2.5-college
Levels: Beginning to advanced violin and viola lessons
Styles: Classical, theory and chamber tutoring, performance injury and anxiety support
Description: Lesson emphasis is on a fun, well rounded, supportive, and high quality music education for those students who study solely for enrichment purposes, to those who seek to pursue professional careers. Though all students may not choose to become professional musicians, we believe that they all will lead more enriched lives because of their musical experience!
About: Committed to teaching all ages, Caitlin has taught for over 17 years privately as well as in group settings in Baltimore, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California, and has served as a faculty lecturer at UC Davis and Smith College and staff at Johns Hopkins University. She currently teaches as a substitute at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performs throughout the Bay Area. She is a certified member of the American String Teachers Association and American Federation of Musicians.
Contact by email Catilin Keen
Wakeford Gong
Location: Alameda and Kensington
5 to adult, Beginner to Advanced
Style: Classical, Traditional
About: Wakeford Gong teaches classical violin to children and adults using a flexible and playful approach. He tailors his teaching to the unique needs of the individual. Lessons are designed to inspire students to view their instrument as a means to express themselves. He believes that even the beginning student can make the violin sing.
Wakeford holds a BA in music from the University of California at Berkeley and is an active violinist in Bay Area orchestras.
Contact by email Wakeford Gong or (510) 435-4962
Lylia Guion
www.joliesnotes.com
Location: Alameda-Bay Farm
All ages and levels
Style: Classical, Suzuki, Folk, Jazz, Pop etc
About: Lylia offers private violin lessons in Alameda. She has been teaching for over 20 years, in France and in California. She has an extensive experience in orchestras and chamber music, playing all around the Bay Area. She likes to play and teach all kinds of music. Using her experience as a Feldenkrais practitioner, she is committed to helping other musicians learn more about their own pattern of movement as well as playing with comfort and joy. Check her website for more info: www.joliesnotes.com
Susan Worland
Location: Starland Music in Alameda, also in Alameda, Berkeley and Oakland, Alameda
Ages, levels and styles: Most of my current students are in middle school or high school. I also have enjoyed teaching adults returning to violin. I'm particularly interested in teaching people (of any age) interested in Polish, Scottish, and American fiddling styles.
About: My main classical music gig is the Santa Cruz Symphony, and other "Freeway Philharmonic" gigs that come up. I love Polish and other Eastern European music styles, and perform often for weddings, parties, etc. And my other greatest love is Scottish Country Dance music, which I play with my husband and in two local bands.
Contact by email Susan Worland
Albany
KC Still
www.kcstill.com
Location: Albany and Crowden School of Music
Ages: 4-adult
Styles: Traditional and Suzuki
Berkeley
Nils Bultmann
www.nilsbultmann.com
Location: Berkeley Area
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Styles: Violin and Viola private lessons
About: Nils offers a creative approach to music making and string playing with an emphasis on technique, relaxation, and enjoyment. He is a composer and professional violist with a background in performance as well as a PHD from UC Berkeley in Music Composition. Nils has much experience teaching middle and high school students and also adults who wish to try string playing or who have played before and wish to get back into the instrument.
Contact by email: Nils Bultmann
Adrianna Ciccone
baytreemusicstudios.com
Private, partner & group lessons in Berkeley, Oakland & Emeryville.
Style: Fiddle (Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Québecois, Appalachian), Classical, Pop, & beyond!
All ages and levels.
Adrianna Ciccone is a sought after performer and educator with over a decade of teaching experience in violin, fiddle, & piano. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she directed her first music camp as a teenager, and has since taught private lessons and workshops throughout North America. Adrianna takes an individualized approach to music education, and especially enjoys exposing her students to new styles & traditions while developing a strong technical foundation & a lifetime love of music.
Adrianna is fascinated by music's ability to create lasting friendships and unite a community, and strives to encourage creative collaborations among her students. She directs the Bay Leaf Fiddlers - a group of middle & high school-aged string players who gather weekly to creatively explore traditional music from around the world. More fiddles, violins, violas & cellos are always welcome!
Contact Adrianna - baytreemusicstudios@gmail.com
Mary Dougherty
Location: near North Berkeley BART - indoor/backyard lessons available
Ages: 7 years old and up (adult beginners welcome!)
Levels: Beginning to advanced violin and viola lessons
About: Orchestra director at Berkeley High School
Violin staff instructor and conductor at BMUZ Berkeley Music camp and Cazadero perfoming arts camp
Contact by email Mary Dougherty
Dennie Mehocich
themagicflute.com/lessons/1163/dennie-mehocich
Principal Instrument: Violin, beginning through professional level.
Other instruments taught: Beginning-Intermediate piano; Beginning-Intermediate cello
Location: 1345 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, W-Fri-Sat;
Ages/ Styles: 3 and up. Dennie is a registered Suzuki violin teacher and offers semi-private violin lessons for students of similar ages and their parents. Please call for information regarding private or semi-private lessons.
Marin Symphony violinist Dennie Mehocich has served as strings consultant at Davidson Middle School, San Rafael High School and coached for the Marin Symphony Orchestra youth programs. She directed strings programs at Marin Waldorf and Novato Charter School. She has taught private lessons for over 30 years. In addition to traditional and fiddling methods she is also a registered Suzuki violin teacher and member of SAA. She offers private and semi-private violin lessons for students in the east bay and Marin, either in-home or at her studios on either side of the bay.
About: "I like working with those students who show a very high degree of interest, who know they like the instrument, want skills and will work to get it. I like to work with returning adults who are serious about improving and will follow my direction in lessons each week. I like working with younger students who have a lot of support from their families, and students who commit to attending weekly lessons and daily practice at home, and helping every student to learn to love the process by which music is made. This is what it takes to develop musical talent."
Contact (text): (415) 686-4110 or e-mail: dennie46@att.net
Sumaia Jackson
All ages and levels
Currently accepting students in person and via Skype!
About: An alumni of Berklee College of Music, now based out of the Bay Area, Sumaia Jackson has been immersed in many folk and roots music traditions including Bluegrass, Appalachian Old Time, Celtic, and more recently, Jazz. With a deep classical background as well, she has a knack for passing on the nuances of various stylistic languages. From private instruction, coaching orchestra and chamber music groups, leading workshops, and teaching at fiddle camps, Sumaia has worked with players of all ages and levels in a multitude of styles. Learn how to groove on fiddle tunes, take solos, and back up your friends!
www.sumaiajacksonmusic.com
Contact by email Sumaia Jackson
David Wilson
Baroque violin, violin, viola
Location: Home studio in the Berkeley hills
Style: My instruction is focused on developing musicianship and a relaxed, ergonomic physical approach to the instrument. About: David Wilson has been playing violin since enrolling in a Suzuki program in 1963. A specialist in baroque music, he holds the Doctor of Music in Early Music degree from Indiana University. A Bay Area resident since 1998, he is an active performer on both modern and baroque violin, and plays regularly with American Bach Soloists, The Galax Quartet, Ensemble Vermillian, and other groups; he is the co-concertmaster of the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra.
Contact by email: David Wilson
Castro Valley
Christy Kyong
Location: Castro Valley, CA
Ages, levels and styles: Beginning to advanced, specializing in age 4 to 5th grade. Christy uses combined methods from Suzuki, ABRSM, Paul Rolland, and Mimi Zweig.
About: Christy is a Bay Area teacher with 15 years of experience with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Interdisciplinary Studies in Early Childhood from UC Berkeley and a Masters of Music in Violin Performance from Northwestern University.
Contact by email Christy Kyong
Concord/Walnut Creek
Rebecca Wishnia
www.rebeccawishnia.com
Location: Oakland (Rockridge) and San Francisco (West Portal) home studios
Ages & Levels: Enthusiastic violinists of all ages and levels
Styles: Classical
About: Born and raised in San Francisco, I am a faculty member of several Bay Area institutions, including Las Positas College, The Crowden Music Center, New World Music Academy, and Villa Sinfonia Foundation. In 2017, my teaching was the subject of a short documentary produced by SFGovTV.
I strive to instill in my students an appreciation for the richness of the musical world. Together, we work to creatively set goals, solve problems, and confidently face new situations. Visit my website to read more about my teaching style, and to download my original arrangements for students.
Contact: rebeccawishnia@gmail.com
El Cerrito
Eric Chin
www.chineric.com
Ages: Middle School age to Adult
Style: Classical
Will travel
contact by email Eric Chin
Nancy Ewing
All ages and levels
Styles: classical, modified Suzuki
Location: El Cerrito/will travel
phone: (530) 559-1688 email: Nancy Ewing
Ilana Blumberg Thomas
Location: El Cerrito
Contact: (925) 784-9611
Ages/Abilities: All, from age 2 through adults, beginner through conservatory level.
Styles: Classical, folk, pop, traditional
About: I have taught lessons for 25 years, teaching privately as well as at U.C. Berkeley, SUNY Albany, and coaching clinics throughout the country. I am also an active performer, and you'll see me on concert stages all over the Bay Area. I believe passionately in following the individual musical path of each student, playing a creative role as they establish the technical fundamentals that bring their goals within reach. My style is experientially based, tailored to work with the talents and limitations of each individual, much like a parent would with his/her own child. I use a blend of materials, incorporating the Suzuki materials alongside a wide range of other classical and non-classical repertoire, and believe that strong music reading skills are critical to success and enjoyment.
Visit my site: sfweddingviolinist
El Sobrante
Edith Szendrey
www.sfnapamusic.com
Edith Szendrey teaches all ages and levels of motivated students and music lovers in the Classical Style, with some Modern, Jazz, Alternative and Fiddle thrown in for fun. Edith encourages her students to be involved in many different musical experiences and in 2013 she founded the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival Junior Strings Program on the Big Island.
In 2017 she collaborated with Chee Yun Kim and other great musicians to form the SD Festival Junior Program at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, and often spends summers teaching chamber music at the Pacific Music Institute, summer music festival in Honolulu. Of Hungarian roots, she holds a Bachelors degree in Music from the University of British Columbia. Edith taught for 16 years at the East Bay Waldorf School, was the music director for 9 years at the Greenwood School in Mill Valley and is now teaching at the Golden Bridges School in San Francisco.
In addition to inspiring young musicians, she has performed in many chamber music concerts with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Choral Society and the Arlekin String Quartet. She is an experienced and versatile musician, having worked with many great artists including Wayne Wallace, Barbra Streisand and Diana Krall. Orchestral experience includes the Marin Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.
Edith also enjoys exploring nature with her children, walking her dogs at dawn, swimming under the stars, and hiking with her camera.
Contact: phone: (510)758-7870 email: Edith Szendrey
Lafayette
Chloe Ross/ The Studio mchViolin
www.thestudioviolin.com
Ages/ styles: Suzuki style violin lessons, students from 3-18.
About: The Studio Violin is a warm and welcoming Suzuki violin school centrally located in downtown Lafayette, offering expert violin instruction to children ages 3-18. Chloe's love for teaching technique to children and building beautiful tone in every violinist, pave the foundation for the program. The Studio Violin's private lessons are held weekly and group classes bi-weekly, in our sunny studio. Come join our violin family and enjoy learning to play with joy!
Contact by email: chloe@thestudioviolin.com
Mill Valley
Craig Reiss
https://themagicflutelessons.com/lessons/listing/craig-reiss/
Location: I teach in my home studio in Mill Valley, but currently am also teaching online via Zoom or FaceTime
About: I am a professional violinist with the San Francisco Opera and Ballet Orchestras with advanced degrees in Music Performance and Pedagogy from Boston University and The Royal College of Music in London. I have taught violin and given master classes in the United States and England since 1987. Students of all ages are welcome, from 8 to 80! My students include former concertmasters of the Marin Youth Symphony, and others have gone on to continue their music studies at major universities such as UC Berkeley, Lawrence University and NYU.
For younger students I use a modified Suzuki approach, focusing on musical games and the joy of playing songs as quickly and easily as possible. For more advanced students I use a balanced approach of technical studies and appropriate repertoire while still emphasizing that playing the violin should be fun!
Please call Craig Reiss at 415-640-4246 for a free introductory lesson to see if you are interested in studying the violin with me. References available on request.
Oakland
Charboneau Collaborative Strings
www.ccstrings.org
Instruments and styles: Violin and Viola, Suzuki and Traditional
Ages/ Levels: Ages 3 - Adult, Beginner through Advanced
Contact: (510)336-9787/ daniellecharboneau@att.net
About: Danielle Charboneau’s studio works to build an environment that supports all students’ abilities to grow from the very beginning stages through advanced levels of musical fluency and mastery. Students, depending on age, can choose between the Suzuki and Traditional methods for both violin and viola as well as chamber music which also includes cellists. All students develop the skills necessary for fluency and easeful expression, including advanced technique preparation and mastery, reading, theory, informed musical decision making, and practice strategies necessary for problem solving and growth while enjoying an environment and community of joyful engagement and discovering a belief in their ability to bring more beauty into the world with their playing and their presence.
The Collaborative Strings program offers violin and viola lessons, group classes, and chamber music coachings for students at all levels. Students range from young beginners partnering with their parent within the context of the Suzuki method through older, more advanced students deepening their skills, ownership, and level of engagement. Danielle engages her Suzuki teacher training, 35 years experience performing and teaching both Suzuki and Traditional education, Integrative Manual Therapy, Alexander Technique, and mediation and conflict resolution training to offer education supporting the whole child.
James Choi
www.jameschoiviolinstudio.com
Location: Holy Names University, also teaches in Fremont and Dublin
Instruments: Violin, Viola
Ages/Style: I enjoy working with students of all levels and ages. Hard-work > Talent!
Contact: jameschoiviolinstudio@gmail.com
Sergi Goldman-Hull
Location: Home studio in Oakland, may be willing to travel within Oakland
Ages, levels, and styles: All levels and styles from traditional Classical, to Suzuki, to pretty much whatever you'd like to do, provided we get the basic foundation down
About: As a proud member of The Bay Area's "Freeway Philharmonic", I regularly perform with 5 different orchestras. I have been teaching Violin for 15 years and call upon my 30+ years of experience on the instrument I love. I'm very passionate about the violin and all kinds of music, from Bach to Beatles (and everything in between), so if you're as inspired by music and the Violin as me, or just want to learn the basics, we would be a good match.
Contact violingiant@gmail.com
Alexis Harris
Ages: 8 and above
Style: Suzuki repertoire, supplemental music theory, beginning, intermediate, and college audition prep
About: For beginning students, I enjoy using the Suzuki repertoire, but not strictly the Suzuki method as I was taught. I believe it is equally important to teach students to read music as well as train the ears. I am passionate about teaching both children and adults who are creative, ambitious, and excited about learning how music is all around us and enhances our understanding of additional areas of study. I feel it can be equally as rewarding to play what is written on a page as it is to play whatever music that is composed in the imagination.
Contact by email Alexis Harris
Clodagh Martin
Ages: 5 - Adult
Styles: Classical, Suzuki, Fiddle, Improvisation, Theory Tutoring
Location: Rockridge, home studio
Please see website for bio and more details.
Contact by email: clodaghmartin94@gmail.com
Mia Nardi-Huffman
mianardihuffman.com.
Location: Grand Lake/Piedmont area
Ages/Levels: 3 and up (including adults), from beginners to advanced players.
Style: Classical violin and viola,
About: I've been teaching for 9 years in a variety of settings, including the Chamber Music Institute at the University of Maine, Kipp Bay Academy in San Francisco, and Inspire Music, where I am currently a Senior faculty member. I enjoy an active career as a performer, and look forward to sharing my love of music with the next generation of violinists and violists! Each student should expect lessons that are tailored to their individual goals and needs, and combine a solid technical foundation with repertoire that they connect with.
Contact: mia.nardihuffman@gmail.com
Darcy Noonan
darcynoonanviolin.com
Location: North Oakland. Will travel on specific days
Ages 4 and up. Beginners to advanced students.
Styles: I specialize in Irish traditional music.
About: I studied classical music with the Suzuki method from age 5-18. As a young adult I fell in love with the community and folklore of Irish music. After moving to Ireland to study music I am back home spending my time teaching and performing.
Contact info: darcynoonanviolin@gmail.com
Rachel Patrick
www.patrickviolinstudio.com
Instruments taught: Violin and viola
Location: Private student in the Rockridge neighborhood of Oakland
Ages/Levels: 2 and up (through adults), beginners all the way through very advanced players.
Style/Lesson Description: Classical. I use a combination of Suzuki, Rolland and Zweig methods in private lessons and group classes. Learning the violin can be challenging, but fun and very rewarding. Musical expression can be such a wonderful way to communicate with others! While I use different methods to teach technique and foundation, my style of teaching is very much geared towards the individual student and creating a positive environment in which anyone has the ability to learn how to play.
About: Rachel has taught in a variety of settings for the last 12 years. Previously an Assistant Instructor in violin at Indiana University and a teacher for the IU's String Academy program (the same program in which she grew up studying), Rachel enjoys teaching private and group lessons as well as coaching chamber music. Rachel also has training and four years of experience as a teacher within the growing El Sistema music education movement. In addition to her private studio, Rachel has an active life as a performing musician, frequently recording and performing chamber music with her trio and various other ensembles.
Victoria Perenyi
www.victoriaperenyi.com
Location: Oakland/San Francisco
Ages/ Levels: 8 and above, beginner-advanced
Styles: Classical, Suzuki, Jazz, Improv
About: Alongside coaching youth chamber ensembles and holding her private teaching studio, Victoria is a freelance violinist in the San Francisco Bay Are. Her lessons are uniquely tailored to each student- be they 8 or 80! Utilizing numerous methods to fit the individual students goals and dreams, Victoria aims to bring out the love of music in her pupils.
Stephanie Railsback
http://stephanierailsback.com
Instruments: Violin and Viola
Location: I teach in my home studio near Mills College
Ages: I specialize in teaching beginners starting as young as 4 years old. I welcome children of all ages and adult viola players
I have Suzuki training and I draw from many disciplines and repertoires.
About: Stephanie Railsback is a member of the Oakland Symphony and has been teaching violin and viola for over 25 years. Named one of the Best Violin Teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area by Expertise.com, Stephanie provides a supportive environment where her students learn to set and achieve goals to create success. Her students play in an annual spring recital and have the opportunity to play in the Certificate Advancement Program of the American String Teachers' Association, of which Stephanie is an active member.
Email: stephanierailsback@gmail.com
Belinda Salvidge
Instruments taught: Violin, Cello, Mandolin, Piano
Website: belindacello.com, belindaviolin.com
Location: Glenview neighborhood, lower hills, Oakland
About: With a background in psychology and expressive arts, my teaching focus is on nurturing each student's unique style of self expression and creative flow while they develop confidence and discipline. I'm very good with young beginners who have a hard time focusing and adult beginners who are just starting or re-entering the world of music. In addition to learning fundamental classical techniques and music theory/note reading, my students learn how to improvise and play fiddle music from all over the world, practicing these skills together at my backyard jams!
Contact info: Phone 5107123316, Email: bbbuthod@yahoo.com
Lila Sklar
lilasviolin.com
Location: Studio is in South Berkeley/North Oakland.
Ages and levels: Youngest student is 5 and oldest is 85! I love to teach beginners but I also specialize in intermediate-advanced players.
Styles: Classical, and various world music styles, specializing in Gypsy Jazz, music from the Balkans, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
About: Lila trained and apprenticed for over 15 years with Ms. Sherry Kloss, assistant to famed violinist Jascha Heifetz. Lila has been teaching for over 25 years and has worked with students of all ages and levels of ability. Lila has experience teaching classes in improvisation and a variety of musical styles at Middle Eastern Music Camp, Lark In The Morning, and the Jascha Heifetz Symposium Of Individual Style.
Contact Lila by email
Debbie Spangler
Learn to play the violin from a New England Conservatory graduate and former Silverstein student, all ages and levels welcome! Anyone can learn an instrument at any age, with motivation, patience, proper training, and encouragement. I am a member of Oakland Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley (formerly the San Jose Symphony), and Fremont Symphony.
Contact by email debspang@yahoo.com or (510) 531-1105
Elbert Tsai
www.elberttsai.com
Location: Studio in Rockridge, on the border of Oakland and Berkeley.
Ages/ Styles: I specialize in violin students ages 10-18 for whom violin is a serious endeavor. Younger children and adults are also welcome to contact me.
Please visit my website for a complete bio, my teaching philosophy, and audio/video samples of my performances.
Tatiana Truno
www.tatianatrono.com
Location: My home is in Oakland, but I can travel to you!
Ages: 5 and up
Style: Classical Violin or Viola
About: My studio is a positive and encouraging place, where each student learns the fundamentals to be able to play the violin or viola. We will fine tune motor skills, build confidence, self-expression, and more! My job is to create a healthy & happy environment to foster the realization that you can reach your potential. I like to trust that every student of mine keeps music for life.
I grew up with the Suzuki tradition, and have chosen to continue that method as a way of passing on my love for violin & viola. I recently participated in Suzuki teacher training for Unit 1 with Ed Sprunger at the Los Angeles Suzuki Institute. I am also familiar with other methods and traditions as additions for all who are curious in broadening their musical horizons.
Contact: tatianatrono@gmail.com
San Francisco
Stephanie Bibbo
Location: Home studio in San Francisco (SFSU area)
Ages/ levels: Ages 4+ beginner-advanced
Style: Classical (Suzuki & Traditional methods)
Email Stephnbibbo@gmail.com
Erma Kyriakos
Instruments and levels: Violin (beginner/intermediate/advanced) and Piano (beginner/early intermediate)
Location: San Francisco area (will travel to Sunset, Castro, Inner Richmond, Mission) Also teaches at Chinese American International School.
About: I love to teach beginners and intermediate players on both piano and violin. Both young beginners or returning adults are welcome! I am classically trained and like to teach music theory along with technique. I enjoy teaching students how to read music instead of playing by ear and encourage all students to practice have a steady practice schedule at home. I am not Suzuki trained, but I have taught from the Suzuki books (violin) for 9 years. For piano, I like to start from the Faber series and Dozen A Day series.
miss.erma.k@gmail.com
Caitlin McSherry
mcsherryviolin.com
Locations: San Francisco at students' homes and from my home studio in Vallejo. Currently all lessons are taught online until conditions improve.
Ages: 5 and up
Styles: Classical violin and traditional fiddle
Contact: c.m.mcsherry@gmail.com or through my website
I have been teaching violin and fiddle across the country for over twenty years. My goal is to help students build a solid technical and musical foundation that allows them to play any style of music with ease and enjoyment. In addition to teaching, I perform around the Bay Area playing with many fine orchestral, opera and chamber music ensembles. Please check out my website to learn more!
Bobbi Nikles
www.bobbinikles.com
Ages: All levels, ages and styles. Highly sought after teacher with warm and eclectic approach.
Styles: Special interest in traditional fiddle music including jazz, Irish, American old-time and Irish.
Bio: Bobbi is the founder and long-time director of the much loved and respected "Fiddlekids". Fiddlekids is now a program of Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. She currently instructs at Fiddlekids camp and teaches out of her San Francisco studio.
Contact by email Bobbinik@gmail.com
Victoria Perenyi
www.victoriaperenyi.com
Location: Oakland/San Francisco
Ages 8 and above, beginner-advanced
Styles: Classical, Suzuki, Jazz, Improv
About: Alongside coaching youth chamber ensembles and holding her private teaching studio, Victoria is a freelance violinist in the San Francisco Bay Are. Her lessons are uniquely tailored to each student- be they 8 or 80! Utilizing numerous methods to fit the individual students goals and dreams, Victoria aims to bring out the love of music in her pupils.
Dorisiya Yosifova
dorisiyayosifovaviolin.com
Style: Classical
Ages: 4-18 and adults, all levels
About: A native of Bulgaria, violinist Dorisiya Yosifova enjoys an active career in music as a teacher and performer. As an orchestra musician, Dorisiya plays as Principal Second Violinist of the Apollo Ensemble of Boston and has also played with the Cape Ann Symphony as Section Player and the Lowell House Opera as Concertmaster. In the recent years, she has appeared in performances as a solo and chamber musician in the Greater Boston Area where Dorisiya was located before her recent move to the Bay Area. Enthusiastic about teaching, Dorisiya is currently on the String Faculty at the Maud Powell String Institute and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and also maintains a private studio. Previously, she has also taught at the Boston School of Music Arts and the El- Sistema inspired Youth and Family Enrichment Services. Dorisiya is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Maud Powell String Institute - a string program specifically designed for immigrant children. Her pedagogy instructors include Mimi Zweig and Rictor Noren.
Contact by email: dorisiya.yosifova@maudpowellinstitute.org
Philharmonia Baroque (various teachers)
See website for individual teachers, philosophies and rates: https://philharmonia.org/
Remote ONLY
Kasandra Klassy
www.kasandraklassy.com
Location: Remote lessons only
Styles: Suzuki, Books 1-10
Ages: 4+
About: I have been teaching for over 35 years, and spent time with Dr. Suzuki in Japan. My program includes private lessons, plus additional group lessons, and 4 concerts per year. The concerts each have a different theme: Solo, graduation, fiddle and Christmas. Please see my website to learn more.
Contact by email: Kassandra Klassy
Emily Packard
Location: remote lessons only (Facetime, Skype or Zoom)
Ages: 6-adult, all levels with a special focus on teaching older beginners and returning adult students
Styles: Classical, Suzuki, rock/pop, beginning fiddle, theory
About: Emily has taught private and group violin lessons for the past 18 years. An active performer in classical and new music, she was a member of the Monterey and Santa Cruz symphonies as well as the rock band Jack O' The Clock. Emily holds performance degrees from CU Boulder, San Francisco Conservatory and Mills College. She also studied with master Suzuki teacher William Starr for Suzuki teaching certification. In private lessons, Emily sets her students up with a solid technical foundation in both playing and theory, using creative exercises and a mix of repertoire. She then follows each student's interests, whether in classical music, fiddle, ensemble playing or other creative musical pursuits.
Contact by email Emily Packard or (510) 866-9184
Mads Tolling
The Ultimate Violin Course
The Ultimate Violin Course was created by Two-Time Grammy Award-Winning Violinist Mads Tolling. Mads is a former member of Turtle Island Quartet and Stanley Clarke’s band, and he is a current member of The Grateful Dead front man, Bob Weir’s new band.
With The Ultimate Violin Course you can stream 50+ exclusive video lessons with over 20 hours of content that covers two years of violin education. Mads will teach you step-by-step how to play the violin. When you start out learning a musical instrument, simple imitation is the best way to learn and improve concentration. The Suzuki system was founded on this idea. Mads has taken this concept a step further by going online and by using playalongs, a logical fingering system and multiple camera angles, it actually feels like you are right there in the room with him.
You will have access to playalongs, sheet music, practice plans, and the private Facebook Group to post videos and ask questions. Drawing from his diverse background Mads will go over a variety of songs that spans over jazz, pop, folk and classical. UVC is perfect for complete beginners and returning intermediate players. And best of all, you can learn with UVC from anywhere at anytime!
Please sign up for the FREE webinar at www.ultimateviolincourse.com
Like us on Facebook here: Ultimate Violin Course
More information about Mads: Mads Tolling
Viola teachers organized by location, then last name:
Alameda
Caitlin Keen/ Alameda Violin
www.alamedaviolin.com
Location: West End of Alameda
Ages: 2.5-college
Levels: Beginning to advanced violin and viola lessons
Styles: Classical, theory and chamber tutoring, performance injury and anxiety support
Description: Lesson emphasis is on a fun, well rounded, supportive, and high quality music education for those students who study solely for enrichment purposes, to those who seek to pursue professional careers. Though all students may not choose to become professional musicians, we believe that they all will lead more enriched lives because of their musical experience!
About: Committed to teaching all ages, Caitlin has taught for over 17 years privately as well as in group settings in Baltimore, Massachusetts, Colorado, and California, and has served as a faculty lecturer at UC Davis and Smith College and staff at Johns Hopkins University. She currently teaches as a substitute at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performs throughout the Bay Area. She is a certified member of the American String Teachers Association and American Federation of Musicians.
Contact by email Catilin Keen
Albany
KC Still
www.kcstill.com
Location: Albany and Crowden School of Music
Ages: 4-adult
Styles: Traditional and Suzuki
Berkeley
Nils Bultmann
www.nilsbultmann.com
Location: Berkeley Area
Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Styles: Violin and Viola private lessons
Bio: Nils offers a creative approach to music making and string playing with an emphasis on technique, relaxation, and enjoyment. He is a composer and professional violist with a background in performance as well as a PHD from UC Berkeley in Music Composition. Nils has much experience teaching middle and high school students and also adults who wish to try string playing or who have played before and wish to get back into the instrument.
Contact by email: Nils Bultmann
Mary Dougherty
Location: near North Berkeley BART - indoor/backyard lessons available
Ages: 7 years old and up (adult beginners welcome!)
Levels: Beginning to advanced violin and viola lessons
About: Orchestra director at Berkeley High School
Violin staff instructor and conductor at BMUZ Berkeley Music camp and Cazadero perfoming arts camp
Contact by email Mary Dougherty
El Sobrante
Edith Szendrey
www.sfnapamusic.com
Edith Szendrey teaches all ages and levels of motivated students and music lovers in the Classical Style, with some Modern, Jazz, Alternative and Fiddle thrown in for fun. Edith encourages her students to be involved in many different musical experiences and in 2013 she founded the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival Junior Strings Program on the Big Island.
In 2017 she collaborated with Chee Yun Kim and other great musicians to form the SD Festival Junior Program at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, and often spends summers teaching chamber music at the Pacific Music Institute, summer music festival in Honolulu. Of Hungarian roots, she holds a Bachelors degree in Music from the University of British Columbia. Edith taught for 16 years at the East Bay Waldorf School, was the music director for 9 years at the Greenwood School in Mill Valley and is now teaching at the Golden Bridges School in San Francisco.
In addition to inspiring young musicians, she has performed in many chamber music concerts with the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Choral Society and the Arlekin String Quartet. She is an experienced and versatile musician, having worked with many great artists including Wayne Wallace, Barbra Streisand and Diana Krall. Orchestral experience includes the Marin Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.
Edith also enjoys exploring nature with her children, walking her dogs at dawn, swimming under the stars, and hiking with her camera.
Contact: phone: (510) 758-7870 email: Edith Szendrey
Oakland
Stephanie Railsback
http://stephanierailsback.com
Instruments: Violin and Viola
Location: I teach in my home studio near Mills College
Ages: I specialize in teaching beginners starting as young as 4 years old. I welcome children of all ages and adult viola players
I have Suzuki training and I draw from many disciplines and repertoires.
About: Stephanie Railsback is a member of the Oakland Symphony and has been teaching violin and viola for over 25 years. Named one of the Best Violin Teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area by Expertise.com, Stephanie provides a supportive environment where her students learn to set and achieve goals to create success. Her students play in an annual spring recital and have the opportunity to play in the Certificate Advancement Program of the American String Teachers' Association, of which Stephanie is an active member.
Email: stephanierailsback@gmail.com
Cello teachers
organized by location then last name
Alameda
Marcie Brown/ Alameda Cello Academy
www.marciebrown.com/
Styles: Suzuki, improvisation, Classical, jazz, world music, fiddling
Ages: cello, piano and violin students of all ages
Email Marcie Brown
Berkeley
Shain Carrasco
www.shaincarrasco.com
Ages: All ages and levels, adults welcome
Location: North Berkeley home studio
Bio: I believe in tailoring cello lessons to each student’s individual musical interests. While classical music is my main focus, there are many kinds of music that I enjoy and work with students to develop – including Jazz, Rock, World music and improvisation.
Robert Hurley
Levels: Primarily beginning and intermediate, all ages welcome
Styles: Classical Cello, Chamber Music, Theory, Composition
About: Robert is a Taiwanese-American cellist attending UC Berkeley, where he studies with Jonathan Koh. His teaching stresses that students learn not only what to practice, but how to practice. He keeps students motivated by introducing variety in teaching and practice, and by encouraging students to perform and play with others.
Contact by email: rfhurley@berkeley.edu
Carla Kaufman
Location: Location: Studio is in Berkeley.
House calls are an option in Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito Richmond and Oakland.
Levels: All ages are welcome.
Carla Kaufman is a versatile musician who plays cello and bass. She has many years of professional experience performing and teaching classical music and jazz. Her emphasis is teaching foundational skills that make it possible to develop into a good musician. In addition to teaching the standard classical repertoire, she can help you learn to play by ear and understand the theory to develop bass lines and swinging jazz solos.
Lessons are designed to meet your personal goals.
She has a BA in Music from the University of California at Berkeley.
Contact by email: cjkbass@yahoo.com
Or by phone: 415-652-8360
Isaac Pastor-Chermak
isaacpastorchermak.com/teaching
Location: North Berkeley hills
Ages: 6 and up
Styles: classical
About me: I teach a small-but-mighty studio of excellent cellists at my home in North Berkeley, ranging from young beginners, to professional-track high schoolers, to adults wanting a new project in retirement. Everyone is welcome. My approach is structured, systematic and consistent. And, every lesson ends with a few minutes of duet playing. My students regularly take prizes at regional competitions, and are admitted to the top music schools in the country (Indiana University, Oberlin, Cleveland Institute, SF Conservatory). Let's talk!
Oakland
Nina Flyer
www.ninaflyer.com
Oakland/Montclair Village.
Ages: I teach from 8 years old to 80
Level: advanced students
Style: Classical
"Please visit my personal website to see my bio, style of teaching and links to examples of my playing"
Jessica Ivry
www.jessivry.com
510-593-3395
Location: Glenview neighborhood, lower hills, Oakland
Ages & Levels: All ages and levels welcome. I enjoy the spark both of an elementary school beginner to the intellectual approach with an adult learner.
Styles: Your interests guide the lessons from Bach to Brahms to Adele and Traditional fiddle tunes. I will help you arrive at your musical destination!
About: I studied cello with Bonnie Hampton at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and recently got a Master of Arts in Teaching from Longy School of Music of Bard College. Although I am classically trained I have played and explored many genres including Jazz, Americana, string improvisation and folk music from the Balkans and Sweden. I am also an arranger and composer and can help you develop this on your cello! I am a life-long music learner and attend music camps and workshops whenever I can (Balkan Camp, Lark in the Morning, Sierra Fiddle Camp, Fiddle Tunes). I played with Real Vocal String Quartet for 10 years where we developed a global music sound along with simultaneous singing. We arranged music from Pop songs to Brazilian Choro, wrote original material, and we rehearsed like a Classical quartet--with attention to detail in style, intonation, and precision in rhythm and groove.
Stephen Moran
www.stephenmoran.org
Instruments: Cello, Baroque Cello, & Viola da Gamba
Location: Oakland (currently teaching backyard lessons with social-distancing as well as online lessons)
About: As a teacher, I have worked with the whole gamut of students. I have served as the undergraduate cello instructor at Stony Brook University, worked with many young beginners, adult amateurs, as well as anyone in between. I enjoy the challenge of finding the best path for each student, carefully considering their strengths, weaknesses, and particular interests to design a curriculum that best serves their goals and predilections. I recently moved to Oakland, California, and am currently expanding my cello and gamba studio.
If you're in the Oakland area and interested in COVID-safe in-person outdoor lessons please get in touch or visit Music In Your Backyard (https://luciakobza.wixsite.com/mysite-1) to find out more.
Contact: stephenarom@gmail.com or (240) 342-4615
Elisa Saltet
Location: Temescal region of Oakland
Ages: Ages 4 to adult
Method: Suzuki-informed, developmental pedagogical approach for children
About: Combining my two loves of playing the cello and teaching, I draw on my 10+ years of experience as a cellist and educator to offer lessons that are structured and systematic, while also leaving room for us to find inspiration along the way. My students say that they find lessons joyful and focused, and I aim to tailor the pace to each student’s age and goals. I teach on the faculty of the Holy Names young musician program as well as in my private studio in Oakland.
Method: For young children we sing together to learn pieces by heart, play games that teach the fundamentals of posture and technique, and progress through the Suzuki books with the support of a caregiver in lessons and home practice. For students in elementary and middle school, lessons and expectations are generally more rigorous, while also being joyful and encouraging. For high school and adult students we will discuss your goals and go at a pace that feels right for you. For all ages and levels, my goal is that through listening and learning by heart, I can help you explore the character and beauty of each piece and give you the foundation of technique to find joy and satisfaction in making music.
Equity, Belonging and Diversity: I am committed to a practice of Equity, Belonging and Diversity as a teacher. This includes my own ongoing work and study around liberation education. I warmly welcome students of all races, ethnicities, citizenships, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and levels of education. I welcome conversations and thoughts about how I can be inclusive and supportive of each of my students.
Background Studies: Cello Performance with Darrett Adkins at the Oberlin Conservatory and Pedagogy at the Bay Area Center for Waldorf Teacher Training.
Career: 10+ years teaching elementary and middle school music, art, humanities and sciences in Bay Area Waldorf schools, while also teaching private cello lessons. In 2021 I expanded my cello studio to full time.
Download a pdf copy of my bio here.
Contact: Elisa Saltet
Piedmont
Evan Kahn
evandkahn.com
Location: Based in Piedmont, and online, will travel to people's residences once COVID risk has significantly lessened.
Ages: Six and older
Style: I specialize in kinesthetic, body-awareness, and movement-based technique informed by deep listening and skilled concentration.
About: My goal for beginning students is to make sure they're set up to play the cello freely and comfortably from Day 1, while prioritizing a sense of fun and "play" throughout the process. My goal for driven, career-based students is to give them room to grow while pushing them to their limits. With adult students, I help them establish short- and long-term goals, and work with them to actualize those goals.
I am the principal cellist of Opera San Jose and Symphony Silicon Valley, Associate Principal of San Jose Chamber Orchestra and West Bay Opera, and a regular substitute cellist with Los Angeles Opera. I have a master's degree in chamber music from San Francisco Conservatory, and studied with Juilliard and Hochschule für Musik "Hanns Eisler" professors at Aspen and Taos Schools of Music.
Contact by email: pinemarten127@gmail.com
San Francisco
Laura Gaynon
www.lauragaynon.com
Location: Studio in San Francisco, Sunset District
Ages: 6 years and up
Style: I teach cello lessons and chamber music to students older than 6 who are ready to learn. If you are looking for a serious course of study that is also highly encouraging and never loses sight of the joy of making music, please contact me at lauragaynon@gmail.com, or visit my website to read more about my teaching.
Matthew Linaman
MJLCello.com
Location: San Francisco, Inner Sunset, house calls available
Ages: 6-21
My Goal? Happy kids who love music, for life
About: I help young cellists uncover the joy and depth of beauty available to us through music. My students are eager to learn and excited to try new things. Using expression, imagination and creativity as the cornerstones of the lessons, I integrate technique and the foundations of music into every lesson seamlessly. I support and encourage each student's unique learning style and personality with love and patience, guiding them to discover their own musical voice. You can contact me through my website to learn more about my teaching style and about me.
SOUTH BAY
Onew Park
https://www.onewparkcello.com/
Location: Redwood City-Studio/ Cupertino Area
Ages & Levels: All ages, Beginning-College Prep
Styles: Suzuki Training, Baroque/ Modern/ Classical, Chamber music
About: My philosophy in teaching music begins with the love of music. For students of all ages, those who enjoy their music are also the most successful and enduring. I want to share my passion and knowledge of music through a customizable approach. I'm a patient, adaptable, and professional Cellist, ready to help you continue or embark on your musical journey. Get in touch today so we can start working together!
Contact by phone (412)889-8326 or email; onpark229@gmail.com
Bass teachers
organized by location then last name
Berkeley
Carla Kaufman
Location: Location: Studio is in Berkeley.
House calls are an option in Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito Richmond and Oakland.
Levels: All ages are welcome.
Carla Kaufman is a versatile musician who plays cello and bass. She has many years of professional experience performing and teaching classical music and jazz. Her emphasis is teaching foundational skills that make it possible to develop into a good musician. In addition to teaching the standard classical repertoire, she can help you learn to play by ear and understand the theory to develop bass lines and swinging jazz solos.
Lessons are designed to meet your personal goals.
She has a BA in Music from the University of California at Berkeley.
Contact by email: cjkbass@yahoo.com
Or by phone: 415-652-8360
If you are a string teacher and would like to be included in this list, please email Felicity with your website, teaching location and what ages/ styles you teach.
This is a FREE community referral service provided by Ifshin Violins. We do not endorse any particular listing or teacher. Our goal is to help our customers find great teachers and our local teachers find new students.