Marina | Teacher #4476
About Marina
Marina is a dedicated viola teacher offering lessons to students from ages 7 to adult. She holds a Bachelor's degree in viola performance from Florida State University and is currently completing her Master's in orchestral conducting at McGill University. Marina provides both online and in-home viola lessons in Montreal, focusing on a well-rounded musical education, including injury prevention and artistic sensitivity. Additionally, she offers instruction in music appreciation.
Violin Viola Music Appreciation
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
I firmly believe that music, regardless if we casually dabble or pursue it as a full-time career, is a core part of our ourselves. Music connects you not only to others, but to yourself . My teaching philosophy reflects this concept -- through an emphasis of the health of the body, we focus on preventing injury through healthy habits. Artistic sensitivity, music history, and performance context are all core elements of my teaching strategy. I feel a fully rounded approach to music as a wholistic art form is essential for artistic fulfillment. In terms of technique, I teach with a sensitivity to your body's natural strengths and weaknesses. The viola and violin are complex instruments with many pitfalls of injury due to technique errors, and I aim to prevent these while also giving you the tools you need to make the sound you want. Music is to be enjoyed and expressed at any age and I aim to make a welcoming environment for musicians in any stage of life or progress! From young to adult students, I will work with you to make a plan for your progress.
Musical Education
As a Chicago-born and raised violist, I completed my Bachelor's degree in viola performance at Florida State University. I am currently completing my master's of music in orchestral conducting at McGill University while concurrently performing as a section violist in the McGill Symphony Orchestra. I began my studies at the age of six on the piano before transitioning to the viola at nine, studying under Rebecca Sandrok, learning through the Suzuki method. I began performing with Chicago youth orchestras and attending summer music festivals in the summer. I later studied with Lisa Hirschmugel in the Wheaton College Community School of the Arts. During my bachelor's degree at Florida State University, I studied under Dr. Pamela Ryan and studied the Karen Tuttle method. Concurrently, I studied conducting under Dr. Alexander Jimenez and served as the music director of the Cawthon String Orchestra for three years. I additionally performed as a violist with the Panama City Symphony and attended the Brevard Summer Music Center and Festival as a collegiate violist.
Special Skills and Trainings
I have worked extensively as a violist within solo performance, chamber, and the symphonic setting, as well as a private educator. My work as a conductor covers both educational and professional environments.
Lessons in your home
Marina is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Montreal, QC
Lessons on an online platform
Marina 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.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Marina is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
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