Sharon Seabrook
B.Music Violin Performance, Univ. Oregon; M.A. Musicology, UC, Santa Barbara; M.L.I.S, San Jose State Univ.
Offering violin lessons for musicians of all ages in the Tacoma area.
I teach students of all ages, interests, and backgrounds! I’m a big proponent of adapting teaching styles and methods to the student’s needs, wherever they are in their own musical journey. The methods I use draw upon Suzuki, Music Together, and traditional violin pedagogy theories.
Curious about taking lessons?
Click the button below to start the conversation!
Foundations
Music Together
Music Together connects caregivers and their kids (ages 0-8) to their innate musicality through a research based music and movement program. We are all musical, and can access it anytime! You can learn more about Music Together on their website!
The Suzuki Method
The Suzuki Method, like Music Together, honors the developmental needs of the young musician and invites parents to participate fully in the learning process. There is an emphasis on listening before we dive into learning to read music notation for the youngest students, and a robust and rigorous program of study that guides students through a wide variety of violin repertoire. You can dig into the details at the Suzuki Association of the Americas website (and check out my newbie profile there!)
Traditional Violin Pedagogy
Teaching the violin in the western classical tradition has a long and illustrious history. Violinists have long passed their knowledge and experience down from one generation to the next. Among teachers there’s a generally accepted progression of studies and pieces students learn as they become more and more proficient. This is typically adapted to the specific needs and desires of the student. A student pursuing a life as a professional musician will have different needs than the student playing for the sheer joy of it all. And there’s room for both of these and every other path in between. String players do get together to share ideas and continue their own lifelong education through organizations like the American String Teacher Association.
What are lessons like?
Lessons will look a little different for everyone, but basically, once we get going and get the hang of holding the instrument and all, each week you’ll practice a handful of exercises and usually just one piece, and then at your lesson time, you’ll play what you’ve worked on, and we’ll talk about ways to improve, or what comes next, and make a plan for your practice for the coming week.
How much do lessons cost?
Currently I charge $25 for every 30 minute lesson, and $50 for every 60 minute lesson. I can take payment in cash, check, credit card, Paypal, and Venmo. Most often younger students will have a lesson every week, unless they’re sick or on vacation, life happens of course. Adult students will sometimes choose to take lessons less frequently, and it’s really up to each individual. I don’t charge for “missed” lessons, and I don’t keep a rigid schedule.
What if I don’t read music?
Reading music is not a requirement for playing music. This may seem like an odd thing to say, but notated music is relatively new in human history. So don’t sweat it. If learning to read music alongside learning an instrument is what you’re interested in, then that will be a part of your lessons! But there is plenty of music to learn and play that does not require reading a single note.
Where can I get my first violin?
Yes, it can seem a little daunting heading into a music shop your first time! We are very lucky here in the Tacoma/Pierce County area to have so many great options for finding your very first instrument.
The Applebaum Violin Shop in Tacoma is where I go, and Carl and Ricardo, and all the staff there are just the friendliest folks around. You can make an appointment on their website to get going with a rental or purchase.
Ted Brown Music is a long standing Tacoma institution, and they have a great selection of sheet music as well. They have a lot of experienced staff that can help you pick your first instrument.
Music & Arts has locations all over the United States, so they are especially helpful for our families in the military that may find themselves moving around the country. Again, they have helpful staff, and great options for your very first violin.
Seabrook Violin Studio 