“We really appreciate the fun atmosphere that Laurel Thomsen creates in lessons. Our daughter always comes home with stories, songs, and tools. She has changed from being frustrated with the violin to being excited to share with everyone. She has also cultivated a love for all types of music and can pick out the sound of the violin in all songs!”
~Jennifer & Konrad Kozicki
Teaching Philosophy:
The attitude and enthusiasm I have brought to private studio teaching and string coaching for youth orchestras since 1996 is strongly rooted in my own daily discoveries as a musician. I am an active performer across a wide variety of genres, including classical, cabaret, Celtic, folk, and rock, and strive to continually expand and refine my technical abilities, interpretive skills, and musicianship.
My teaching is influenced by a variety of pedagogues, including the Galamian and Suzuki Methods and the work of Kato Havas. I have developed innovative instruction methods that focus on developing my students’ listening abilities while working with the biomechanics of the body. My goal is to produce playing that is natural and free of tension, both mentally and physically.
I emphasize all aspects of right and left hand technique, posture, music reading, the ability to learn melodies my ear, and both classical and non-classical styles. I seek to foster in the student a strong musical awareness and appreciation, in an environment that empowers the student to discover his or her individual creative expression. Though not everyone will be a soloist, I believe that it is possible for every student to find their musical voice when a willingness to learn is combined with a teaching method that focuses on each individual student’s learning style.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and I have used hypnotherapy and NLP (neuro-linguistic psychology), both personally and with my students, to overcome a variety of music and performance related issues. Visit www.mindbodyalchemy.com for more information on my work in the healing arts. I welcome students of all ages and abilities who are enthusiastic about learning.
Lessons often incorporate:
•Classical Technique
•Music Reading
•Ear Training
•Fiddle Styles
•Music Theory
•Music Interpretation
•Improvisation
•Ensemble Playing Skills
•Sight Singing
•Music History
•Body Awareness
•Stress Management
I have a home studio in Monterey, California, close to the downtown and Hwy 1.
Tuition:
Private lessons are $30 for a half hour and $60 for an hour. Lessons are generally once a week, though more than one lesson per week or lessons every other week are sometimes possible depending on my availability. I also offer combined lessons with parents/children, siblings, and friends who want to have a joint lesson. If you are interested in a combined lesson plan, please call me for information about rates and availability.
Violin Teachers Directory