Sonia | Teacher #2251
About Sonia
Sonia offers online and in-home lessons, fostering a positive learning environment for her students. With a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Ottawa and upcoming enrollment in McGill University's Master of Music program, Sonia brings rich musical experiences to her teaching. Trained in the Mimi Zweig String Pedagogy and Alexander Technique, she emphasizes technique, musicality, and injury prevention. Fluent in English and German, Sonia integrates ear training, music theory, and creativity into her lessons, ensuring a holistic learning approach. Book an interview with Sonia now for violin instruction that prioritizes enjoyment and skill development.
Violin Ear Training Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Alexander Technique
Online Lessons Lessons in Your Home
Classical Pop Folk Baroque
English German
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching emphasizes a positive atmosphere, musicality, technique and ease of playing. My past teaching experiences have shown me that a positive learning environment is the best way to keep my students inspired and motivated to learn. I believe that working on technique is important, and that developing musicality and creativity early on is equally valuable. From my own teachers I have adopted a physically relaxed way of playing to avoid injury and have even more freedom in music making. My studies in Alexander Technique contribute to this mindset and are a great teaching tool.
Musical Education
I recently earned my Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Ottawa. I grew up in Berlin, Germany and music was always part of my life from an early age. My main instrument is violin, but I received classical instruction in piano and voice as well. I am greatly inspired by the rich musical culture in Berlin, which influences my own music making and teaching. My main teachers include Yehonatan Berick, and I will begin my Master of Music at McGill University this fall studying with Axel Strauss.
Awards and Distinctions
Through violin performances and my dedication to my studies I received several awards: 2017: Rose Bowl Competition Halifax (1st prize), Early Music Society of Nova Scotia Award, HLMC Ida Pascal Memorial Award for Violin Sonata, Fountain School of Performing Arts Summer Program Award 2015: National School Orchestra Award
Special Skills and Trainings
For young learners, I follow the Mimi Zweig String Pedagogy, which leans on the Suzuki method and focuses on ear training early on. Studying this method and applying it has been a great way to integrate my own experiences and teaching style into a more established system. I have studied Alexander technique privately for the past five years, with one-on-one sessions in the summers. This has allowed me to grasp the main concepts of the technique and apply it to my playing. Recently, I gained further experience teaching online by working with children as a VIPKid teacher. I learned how to overcome the typical challenges of online learning such as keeping children engaged and having a positive atmosphere.
Lessons in your home
Sonia is available to teach in your home if you are located in the following areas:- Mont-Royal, QC
- Montreal, QC
- Westmount, QC
Lessons on an online platform
Sonia 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:
Sonia 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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