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Billie Gonzalez | Offering private lessons in
Folsom, California |
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FALL ENROLLMENT (SEPTEMBER). --CALL TO SCHEDULE INTRO LESSON, SECURE YOUR LESSON TIME.
I AM ALSO AVAILABLE FOR LESSONS AT MY HOME IN IONE, USUALLY WEDNESDAYS.
ENROLLMENT for individual half-hour lessons may commence at any time in First, Second,
Third, or Fourth Sessions (also Summer Session), after required interview and registration ($20),
and payment of Tuition (if not starting at beginning date, pay only the number of lessons remaining
in that Session). PLEASE CALL FOR INFORMATION BEFORE ACQUIRING AN INSTRUMENT--IT MUST BE SET UP PROPERLY!
BILLIE GONZALEZ 209-274-4070
Call for available Enrollment times and to schedule interview.
Leave your name, best day/time to reach you, and how (phone &/or email).
Many of my students have been studying with me for 7 - 12 years, achieving a high degree of proficiency and musicianship. I now have a few openings due to relocations and students leaving for college.
INDIVIDUAL VIOLIN & VIOLA INSTRUCTION
In Folsom (Private Studio)
All ages and levels are welcome, including preschoolers (with parent in attendance), and adults of any age.
HIGHLIGHTS OF STUDY
*Classical Violin/Viola
*All Levels & Ages
*Expert Individual Instruction
*Professional Teacher and Performer
*Russian Teaching Method
*Classical Repertoire
*Applied Music Theory
*Instrument Selection Guidance
*Professional Tuning
*Intonation Concepts
*Rhythm Skills
*Efficient Practicing Approach
*Sight-reading and Memorization Control
*Audio/Videotaping is Encouraged
*Ensemble Lessons
*Training Recitals
*Recommended Concert Attendance
With the strong foundation provided and enough personal motivation and practice, my students can be prepared for a professional or amateur career as an orchestra player, chamber musician, soloist, recitalist, or teacher; in addition to a lifetime of playing for their own enjoyment and that of others.
'WHATEVER YOU CAN DO, OR DREAM YOU CAN, BEGIN IT.
BOLDNESS HAS GENIUS, POWER, AND MAGIC IN IT.
BEGIN IT, NOW.'
~Goethe
FOLSOM STUDIO (Sundays)
750 Oak Avenue Parkway (Home of Folsom Piano Academy)
1/2 block from intersection of East Bidwell St. & Oak Ave Pkwy
(shares large parking lot with California Family Fitness)
Prerequisites to Study
*Phone Interview
Registration: $20 (for initial Session except Summer Session), a one-time administration fee
Tuition Payments
*Fees are due at the beginning date of each Session
*First Session (September), Second Session (November) and Third Session (February)--$300
(10 individual 1/2 hour lessons)
*Fourth Session (May-June)--$240 (8 individual 1/2 hour lessons)
**SUMMER SESSION: July 11 - August 15, 2010 (6 individual lessons, $180. SUNDAYS ONLY.
Tuition required by June 27 to reserve enrollment. For new students, Interview is required--must be in June or earlier, with enough time to acquire an instrument and books. PLEASE CALL BEFORE ACQUIRING AN INSTRUMENT--IT MUST BE SET UP PROPERLY! I will give you a checklist to take to the shop I recommend.
NOTE; the option of ONE-HOUR LESSONS (when available) is reserved for students who are already advanced musicians, even if on another instrument, or those who have the motivation and time to practice enough to make use of the longer lesson. It is also possible to add additional lessons, when there is available time (payment at each lesson). Some students ask for additional lessons prior to auditions or special performances, or for ensemble coaching.
Enrollment
May commence at any time after the Interview, by paying the Registration fee and number of lessons of the Session (or remaining number).
Annual Teaching Calendar is provided.
Professional Background
*Soloist, Recitalist: Violin and Viola
*Over 40 years private teaching experience
*Assistant Teacher to Albert Markov, Bridgeport, 1982 - 1984 (CT)
Violinist Member with:
*Sacramento, Modesto, Stockton Symphony Orchestras (CA)
*Bridgeport and Norwalk Symphonies, and The Connecticut Grand Opera (CT)
*Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and Honolulu Opera (HI)
*Freelancing with various East & West Coast Symphony Orchestras
*Mother Lode Friends of Music, Amador County (CA) Founder, 1976
*Performers of Connecticut (CT)
*Proteus Ensemble, Amador County (CA)
Professional Studies
I studied violin and viola extensively in New York City and Connecticut (1978 - Present) with Albert Markov, Concert Violinist, Composer, Teacher, and Conductor; who studied at The Moscow Conservatory and now teaches at The Manhattan School of Music.
Teaching Method and Philosophy
I use the Russian method of violin teaching, which is legendary for the number and quality of concert artists and other professional players it has produced. This method employs the observance of natural anatomical laws, which promote excellent positioning and technique, without injury or strain.
Classical Repertoire
Students learn to play all major and minor scales, in all keys and positions. As they progress, they are exposed to etudes, sonatas, concertos, concert pieces, unaccompanied works, and short (encore) showpieces.
Applied Music Theory
Unlike traditional piano-based theory lessons, I transfer these concepts to the violin or viola fingerboard, with reference to the piano. Theory is integrated into every lesson as it relates to the music being studied.
Instrument Selection
Expert guidance on the selection of an instrument appropriate for the student is provided before rental or purchase. If a student already has an instrument, it will be evaluated at the Interview.
Professional Tuning
At the FIRST LESSON, students learn to tune their instruments using Perfect Fifths.
Intonation Concepts
Understanding and visualization of string length division gives a reliable map of the fingerboard, while observations of the "shape" the fingers take to achieve notes, along with attention to muscle memory, gives string players a firm foundation for playing in all positions and registers with assurance and ease.
Rhythm Skills: Understanding, Execution and Control
The metronome is used as a tool for the observance of tempos, accuracy of rhythms, and the understanding of various rhythmic relationships. Students are taught to count aloud while playing in order to master this vital musical dimension.
Efficient Practice Approach
I specialize in teaching HOW TO PRACTICE - students learn to analyze the structure of the music, set specific practice goals, and use creative approaches to problem solving, thus using smaller increments of time in a disciplined and more productive manner. A Practice Diary is reviewed at each lesson.
Sight-reading & Memorization Techniques
Sight-reading and memorization skills use the same eye-brain functions; when these are consciously linked, the result is a more effective learning process, which yields increased ability to focus on detail, and fosters greater security and self-expression in performance.
Audio/Videotaping Encouraged
Students may bring their equipment to lessons for review at home. Because proper body position and alignment is essential to good string playing, I teach how to use a mirror for self-monitoring.
Ensemble Lessons
Not part of a regular lesson schedule, these are usually violin or violin/viola duos but may include friends of family who play other instruments. Students rehearse with their partners prior to the lesson. Usual time-based fee is shared and paid at each lesson.
Training Recitals- Open to Family and friends, not the public.
(Reasonable accompanist fees are paid directly to the pianist.)
Training recitals are held each Session. Performance is an essential part of overall musical development and self-expression; it also requires focusing on a goal, promotes self esteem, and brings students joy through the sharing of their music with an audience. All students participate and lend support to their fellow students.
Students are taught HOW TO REHEARSE, with attention to leading the pianist, experimenting with tempo, dynamics, vibrato, bowings, and rubato. Emphasis in on performing with good stage presence, confidence and communication of their musical ideas.
Performance Club--informal, no charge, at the studio, without piano accompaniment (unless student brings a pianist friend or family member)
This setting is provided to allow more frequent performing experiences and for those not ready for the more formal recitals. Selections do not have to be memorized, nor completed. The focus is on sharing Works in Progress, learning from each other, socializing, and perhaps teaming up for ensemble projects. When there is time, friends and family members may also perform--other instrumentalists, and vocalists are welcome.
Recommended Concert Attendance
Attendance at concert performances is encouraged. Coaching for active listening, reviewing of assigned individual and Joint Concert Reports, and sharing this live performance experience with fellow students at our informal Performance Club programs provides inspiration, perspective and motivation.
"Extra" Lessons
Additional lessons may be added as schedule permits. Payment is made at each lesson. Some students utilize extra lessons for help with Orchestra music, auditions, special performances, or ensemble coaching, to add an instrument (violinists add violin; violists add violin.)
Studio Policies
This is discussed during the interview and is signed as a mutual understanding and agreement of the policies.
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