Olena | Teacher #5631
About Olena
Olena is a passionate and patient violin and viola teacher who holds a Master's degree from McGill University and a Bachelor's from the University of Southern California. She caters to each student's individual needs, aiming to inspire a joy for music-making. Olena provides lessons online, in-home in Montreal, or at her Montreal studio.
Violin Viola Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Solfege
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical
English
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, I always strive to demonstrate passion and patience with each student. The way we learn violin or any skill is unique to every person, so I make sure to cater to every student’s individual needs holistically. I encourage students by challenging them with positive reinforcement. In the end, my goal is to inspire the joy of music- making. I am inspired by my first teacher, Lorraine Fink, a Suzuki-trained pedagogue who worked closely with Dr. Suzuki. She was nurturing and patient, qualities that I want to embody with my students. One of the most important musician skills that I learned from Mrs. Fink was learning how to sightread. We started every lesson playing a new song or melody with little preparation, and over a short amount of time I was comfortable reading a new piece of music with confidence. She taught me the value of consistent practice and to always be curious in the practice room. Teaching has been an important reminder of why I pursued music in the first place. I honor the musical development of an aspiring violinist which in turn helps me become a stronger musician and better teacher for others and myself.
Musical Education
I have a master's degree from McGill University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California, both in which I studied violin performance. My principal teachers were Violaine Melançon, Lina Bahn, Bing Wang, and Marianne Dugal.
Awards and Distinctions
• Undergraduate Winner of USC’s Solo Bach String Competition, 2023 • Winner of the 2021 Christine Marie Ofiesh Honors Quartet Competition, toured with the Gateway Quartet in a series of concerts part of Rencontres Franco-américaines Musique de Chambre Festival in Missillac, France
Special Skills and Trainings
I have participated in mentorships with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. I have also received training in chamber music from summer festivals like Meadowmount School of Music and Heifetz International Music Institute.
Lessons in your home
Olena is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Montreal, QC
Lessons in a music studio
Olena offers lessons from her studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Olena 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:
Olena 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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