Violin & Viola Lessons in Orland Park, IL
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Our Approach to Violin & Viola Lessons
The Music Connection takes a balanced approach to music instruction. We make learning fun and foster creativity while maintaining a focus on the core principles of good musicianship. While we strive for excellence, we do it in a way that’s fun and free of the conservatory-type pressure found at some music schools.
Our violin instructors enjoy tailoring lessons to their student’s interests and goals while incorporating the technical skills needed for them to achieve mastery of their instrument. We encourage individuality while making the learning experience fun for students of all ages. Below is an outline of our approach.
Violin & Viola Lessons Should Be Fun!
The only thing sweeter than the sound of a violin or viola is the experience students will have at The Music Connection. We pair the sophistication of these classic string instruments with an unwavering commitment to fun. We want each of our students to LOVE their music lessons!
Our teaching staff expertly blends a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the violin. Whether you’re looking to pick up the instrument for the first time or want to earn the first chair in your orchestra, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Strong fundamentals are key to efficient, effortless playing and optimal sound. We teach students essential instrument care and set-up, tuning, healthy playing posture, bowing, and hand positioning. Our skilled instructors also take students through regular ear training exercises to foster the development of good pitch.
Additionally, we strive to ensure our students become literate musicians through lessons in scales, music theory, rhythm, and sight-reading. More advanced students will build a broader repertoire of technique, including vibrato, double-stop and chord playing; more advanced bow strokes such as spiccato, sautillé, and up-bow staccato; and other higher-level musicianship concepts such as phrase analysis and score studying skills.
We Care About Your Musical Interests
At The Music Connection, we are delighted to work with students of all abilities seeking to enrich their lives through music. Our teachers take an individualized approach to each student – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a thorough and logical sequence of skill development and training, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.
Your experience at The Music Connection will be uniquely yours. Come and learn from our talented instructors, many of whom can connect you with performance and competitive opportunities, should you wish to pursue your craft on a larger stage.
Our Violin & Viola Teachers:
The violin teachers at The Music Connection specialize in offering well-rounded, fun, and engaging instruction to violin students of all ages and skill levels. Many of our teachers have professional performance and teaching experience in numerous musical contexts. They help you learn technique, fundamentals, and expression whether you want to master classical music, learn to play pop tunes, or improve your improvisation skills on the violin. Connect with a teacher today, and begin to build a firm foundation that will support your musical discovery and future.
Ana Simonovska-Mroz
Violin & Viola
Ana Simonovska hails from Skopje, Macedonia where she began playing the violin at the age of five. She attended Skopje’s Performance Arts High School, where she studied violin and viola. Ana holds
Carl Johnston
Violin & Viola
Carl Johnston is a veteran Chicago performer and educator. He has taught violin and viola privately for the past 45 years at the University of Chicago Laboratory School, DePaul University, American Conservatory
David Heise
Violin & Viola
David started on the Viola when he was just 8 years old at the Community School of the Arts at Wheaton College, Wheaton Illinois. From there he has studied with world class
Dustin Vail
Violin
Dustin V. attended Olivet Nazarene University in his hometown of Bourbonnais, Illinois and received his liberal arts degree in 2016. He began Suzuki violin at age 10, beginning in Bourbonnais and later
Edward Eubank
Violin
Edward Eubank is a professional violinist with an extensive career as a performer, private teacher, middle and high school Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Administrator. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree
Heather Carlasare
Violin & Viola
Heather J. Carlasare, a native of New York City, was born into a very musical family. Both of her parents are professional musicians and she was brought up in the classical tradition
Janet Kuester
Piano & Violin
Janet Kuester is the founder (2004) of The Music Connection. She is a private piano and violin teacher. She believes all students have musical ability that can be nurtured and developed and
Matthew Barwegen
Violin & Viola
Matt Barwegen, the violist, has played in Midwest orchestras for 12 years, after earning a Performer’s Certificate in 2009 from Lynn Conservatory in Boca Raton, FL, where he studied with pedagogue Ralph
Zoe Perillo
Violin, Viola, Guitar & Ukulele
Zoe is a violin, viola, and guitar teacher. She began playing violin in fifth grade not too far from here, at Manhattan Junior High School where she would rehearse before being bussed
Diego Zapata
Violin
Diego Zapata is a Venezuelan violinist who began his studies at the age of 5 in the Venezuelan program known as “El Sistema”. At 10 years of age, he began musical studies
Natalie Dzbik
Piano, Violin
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada, Natalie Dzbik was involved in a variety of music lessons including voice, piano, violin and viola. She took piano and voice lessons and performed frequently
We offer a variety of plans to fit your schedule & budget
STandard Level
Professional faculty who are all experienced musicians and instructors.
30 min lessons – $165/month
45 min lessons – $245/month
60 min lessons – $320/month
Masters Level
Advanced faculty are select music instructors in high demand, with extensive experience and/or exceptional artistic accomplishments.
30 min lessons – $180/month
45 min lessons – $265/month
60 min lessons – $350/month
Artist Level
Carl Johnston is a veteran Chicago performer and educator, who has over 45 years of teaching experience.
30 min lessons – $200/month
45 min lessons – $300/month
60 min lessons – $400/month
What you can expect
1. Tell us about your musical goals.
2. Match with one of our expert instructors.
3. Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Common Questions
Cindy | Parent
“My three children wanted to play different instruments and there are so many instructors at the Music Connection, it was very easy for us to choose a time and date to fit our busy schedule. The teachers have always been very positive and encouraging to all of my children!”