Violinist — Teacher — Performer
About Kristin
Kristin grew up playing the violin as a “Suzuki kid”. She performed with competitive youth orchestras in New York state before completing a Bachelor's degree in music with emphasis on Suzuki Pedagogy from Susquehanna University. Her studio included a dozen students during collegiate studies and expanded after returning to the Rochester area.
Kristin is a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas in "Every Child Can!", and Suzuki Violin books 1, 2, and 3. She fell in love with the Suzuki philosophy during teacher training at the Ithaca Suzuki Institute and is proud to have learned from some of the best Suzuki teachers in the country, including Carrie Reuning-Hummel, Ed Kreitman and Teri Einfeldt.
Aside from working with children, Kristin also has experience with the senior citizen population. She has several interactive violin shows that she brings to local senior living communities and nursing homes. Kristin was a regular performer with several community orchestras in Rochester, NY, and is now living and working in the Fayetteville, NC area.
Violin Lessons
The Suzuki Method
The basis of the Suzuki method is that “Every Child Can”. Dr. Suzuki believed that if children are taught in the right environment they will inevitably learn how to play the violin. He believed that the best way to learn music is to learn it in the same way a child learns their own language. By listening, imitating, and having positive reinforcement any child will be able to play the violin.
Parent involvement and support are essential for this process to work, and parents are encouraged to attend lessons, and be an active part of home practice.
Lesson Structure & Practice
Since everyone learns at their own pace, lessons and practicing will differ for each student. Parents and students should expect the first several weeks of lessons to focus on posture — how to stand, hold the violin, and bow. Once students are learning pieces, lessons will include review, exercises, and the current “working” piece. More advanced students will work on note reading, tone development, and level appropriate technique such as vibrato and shifting.
Practicing at home is essential, and expected from all students. A practice routine will be created at lessons to assist with this. Home practice also involves listening assignments.
Performances
Formal and informal performance opportunities will be available to every student at different points throughout the year. Formal recitals, “practice recitals” for family, and visits to nursing homes are offered throughout the year.
Scheduling
Lessons are typically held once a week. Scheduling and billing occurs at the beginning of each calendar month. Students are financially responsible for missed lessons. Up to one lesson per month may be rescheduled, within the month, if a convenient time for both student and teacher is available.
Fees
Performances
Interactive Violin Music for Seniors
Kristin’s shows are not ordinary classical music concerts! Singing, games, and moving to music are all a part of the show, as well as fun stories and interesting music history facts. Traditional violin repertoire is included in each show, as well as some tunes the audience is sure to be familiar with.
For a complete list of shows, please contact Kristin.
Collaborative & Solo Performing
If you are looking for a violinist for a specific event please contact Kristin with details about the event.
Kristin has played violin for us here at The Friendly Home several times over the past 2 years. She creates an atmosphere that the members can relate to... It has been a wonderful experience to be able to have Kristin play for us.
She has a wonderful rapport with the residents and interacts well with them. Kristin “runs” the program on her own and the residents really enjoy her performances.
Resources
The Suzuki Method
- Suzuki Association of the Americas
- Nurtured By Love by Shinichi Suzuki
- Teaching From The Balance Point by Edward Kreitman