Alexandra D.

What is your teaching philosophy?​

My lessons are suited directly to my students’ needs and are given in a calm, supportive environment. I have more than 15 years of experience teaching both violin (at all levels) as well as music composition.

I hold a master’s degree from The Juilliard School and a bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

My students are diverse in both age (kids and adults – ages three to 70) and experience — from beginners to advanced violinists refining their craft. I have worked extensively with children and adult beginners as well and for these I teach a combination of my own method that I developed (non-Suzuki) as well as Suzuki.

For beginners and those who do not yet read music I focus on growing a solid technique from the very beginning with an abundance of patience and calmness. Composition lessons include elements of (but not limited to) orchestration, instrumentation, compositional processes, ear-training, arranging, counterpoint, solfege/sight-singing, sketching techniques, notation and engraving, career advice, and notation software (Finale).

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?​

Creating a lesson plan for each individual student’s needs is paramount.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Since 2000

What are you most proud of in your musical career?​

I am not most proud of any one performance or composition or student for example but the combination of my entire life spent learning, creating, writing, teaching and experimenting with music and sound — the fact that I have devoted my life to sound, is something that gives me a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment in life.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?​

Hearing my students are inspired and practicing

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

I’ve been to several continents and the countries I’ve visited are too unique to have a favorite. I feel the same for favorite composers or musicians; too diverse.

What languages do you speak?​

English (native), French (a little)

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

J.S. Bach – because he’s been teaching all of us for centuries

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I’m an amateur vegan chef and also love to experiment with making kombucha, kimchi and vegan cheese

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?​

Music from Mali, especially Rokia Traore, Toumani Diabate, Fatoumata Diawara