For three decades I've been teaching violin students on any kind of developmental and achievement level - schoolkids, university students and grown-up amateur musicians. As a teacher I see myself as the student's companion on the long road to the individual level of achievement a student is aiming for. I focus particularly on posture and on holding violin and bow in a way that is in sync with the natural movements of the human body. Accordingly, first-off chin holder and shoulder rest are always adjusted in the most comfortable position. A good overall body posture is an essential requirement for advancing successfully and joyfully on the violin.

As teaching material for beginners I use the study books Saßmannshaus and Fiedel Max, followed by concerts for students, such as Küchler, Rieding, Janschinow and many more. Later we approach the great composers, Vivaldi, Telemann, Händel, Bach, Mozart and so on. In addition to the main work which we work on every week, we start every lesson with bow and finger exercises, scales, etudes and special technical tutorials. For areas a student particularly struggles with I will also develop specially designed drills and exercises and print them out using a special sheet music program.

I finish off the lesson for the more advanced students with a fun treat - a piece chosen by the student from a wide array of pop and Irish fiddle music, Bartok duos, etc. For most pieces I can supply a supporting play-along CD to provide for an all-encompassing experience of the musical piece, during the lesson and at home, which is a great motivational help for the students.