“Cat is a dedicated violin teacher available for online and in-home lessons, welcoming students from the age of 3 to adults. With fifteen years of extensive training under distinguished instructors and a rich background in orchestral and chamber ensemble performance, Cat is now pursuing a Bachelor of Music specializing in Orchestral Violin at the University of British Columbia School of Music. She brings a passion for music and a unique, engaging teaching style, aiming to connect students with their instrument and make learning enjoyable.”
- Cat
BOOK AN INTERVIEW WITH CAT NOW
The first time I saw a symphony play, I was five years old and my mother took me to see the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra play Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. From that moment, I knew I wanted to play the violin. The most important part to me with teaching is connecting my students with the instrument and ensuring that they are truly enjoying it, so they are motivated to devote their time and effort to mindfully practice and develop proper technique. My lessons involve unique, engaging and fun exercises that do not feel so tedious yet result in quick and efficient technical development. I believe that if we are passionate about our instrument, anything is possible!
Name: Cat (Full name will be provided upon registration)
Age: 21
Gender: female
I studied violin privately from the age of five. I have fifteen years of private lessons with multiple teachers. My first teacher conducted the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra, my second teacher was a member of the St. Louis, Toronto, and Boston Symphony Orchestras, and my third teacher studied under Professor Klimov, a student of David Oistrakh. I also have eleven years of orchestral experience at the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra and the McMaster Symphony Orchestra, as well as classical chamber ensemble experience. I completed Advanced Rudiments, Harmony, and History RCM exams. I have been featured in former Berlin Philharmonic concertmaster Guy Braunstein's masterclass and have played in an orchestra alongside him at the Interharmony Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy. I will be attending the University of British Columbia School of Music for a Bachelor of Music specializing in Orchestral Violin.
Growing up, my mother would teach me piano and I would teach my three younger siblings the violin and other instruments. I have participated in music festivals such as the Northshore Music Festival, and have played for various events. I have completed practical and written Violin, Harmony, History and Rudiments RCM exams. I have commissioned works including specific requests for weddings. I also enjoy playing with other musicians in genres such as jazz bands, rock bands, and have played in musical theater pit bands. I am open to exploring other genres other than classical with my students if they would like! I also enjoy creating musical content online including violin tips and covers, which further enriches my teaching methods.
English
Rates and Studio Policies
Registration Fee: $25.00 (One-time lifetime registration fee may be used by all family members)
Rates for instruction:
30 minute private lesson: $39.00
45 minute private lesson: $49.00
60 minute private lesson: $59.00
Travel charge: additional $15.00 per visit (for lessons in a client's home as opposed to my studio)
1. Cancellation Policy
Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.
2. Cessation (quitting) Policy
A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.
3. Illness Policy
Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.
BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.
No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.
4. Rescheduling Policy
Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.
Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy
Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.
It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.
5. Evaluation Period
There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).
Lessons in your home
Cat is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas
Online lessons
Cat can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.