In Home Tuition
Online Lessons
At The Studio
Young People
Children aged three to 12 are instructed using the Suzuki method for classical music. Other genres like bluegrass, jazz, and rock’n’roll are available too. Ben’s elementary school teaching experience has enabled him to connect well with his students, he has a knack for making the lessons enjoyable, resulting in students eagerly investing themselves in the learning process—and despite the practice he expects, his style avoids making the studies feel like ‘a grind’.
Older People
Adult and teen beginners are taught from the Strictly Strings teaching methods manuals. Technique, vocabulary, songs and melodies from every genre are accessible to the novice through this comprehensive learning method.
The prepared lessons are designed to quickly have the student playing a variety of fun music while simultaneously developing their abilities.
Groups
Group classes are offered for
• instrumentals
• learning the fundamentals of music.
Coaching is available for
• Classical Chamber Music Ensembles
• Popular Music Bands
Groups playing Bluegrass, Jazz, and Rock music can also be coached.
Intermediate and Advanced
Intermediate and advanced students can choose any music that they would like to learn and are taught how to play and perform on a professional level. Students that want to learn improvisation are given the tools necessary to play Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock’n’Roll and other styles of fiddling.
Ability Accessible Arrangements
For students with a core focus, who know what they want to learn, i.e., a specific piece of music, are invited to look at Ben’s ‘ability accessible‘ arranging.
The process begins with Ben getting a feel for the individual’s skill level. Then he transcribes the music, creates lead sheets and scores the custom chord charts (fretboard diagrams or tablature). Everything is tailored to best fit the players comfort and skill level.
Click here for a sample chart of ‘Bamboleo’ by the Gypsy Kings.
VOIP (Violin Lessons Over IP)
Ben started offering online classes due to the Covid19 epidemic. Quickly however other favorable aspects of this method came to light, most obviously was that it facilitated—and was desirable to—people juggling hectic daily schedules. More surprisingly he discovered that younger students took to this method like fish to water! Whether through schooling, gaming or chatting with their grandparents, they were already into the concept, so again, the process didn’t have the feel of an ‘educational grind’ and students quickly got into the classes.
There are some videos of how these classes typically flow in the ‘Sight and Sound‘ section of the site, I recommend the pinned video “Beginning: The Very First Lesson“.
Online lessons are taught using Zoom. The free software is easy to install and use on a PC or Mac computer.
Student Recitals
Ben’s younger students perform music they have been working on twice a year in a casual recital format. These are relaxed events with the emphasis placed on gaining public performance experience rather than competition. Recitals for adult students are scheduled once a year and are voluntary.
Pricing
Violin and Viola lessons:
$65.00 per hour
$55.00 per 45 mins
Guitar lessons are based on a sliding scale.
Shorter lessons are offered (20 or 30 minutes) for children up to seven years old. Classes are taught at my Studio in San Francisco or at the clients’ home.
An extra fee is required for in-home lessons, based on location and length of time needed to go to and from the students’ home.
I've had several private violin teachers in the past but Ben is the first one who has really made me excited to pick up my violin again.
San Francisco, CA
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you.