Tomoko, the Jazzy Violinist

Mastering the violin takes a lifetime of dedication. 

In order to achieve this, I always encourage my students to have long-term, medium-term and short-term goals in mind. 

Thinking 10 years from now, will you be playing in a youth orchestra? How about 5 years from now? Will you be attending a chamber music camp? How about 1 year from now? Will you present a home recital to your family? Then, what needs to be done this week? Finally, what about today with daily practice? 

Working in this manner, I guide my students to break the long-term goals that at first may seem unattainable into smaller and smaller pieces until each step is mastered. 

SUZUKI METHOD


For the very young beginner, I use the Suzuki method. A typical age to start is 5, but a student can start as young as age 3.

Before learning how to read music, the student will learn how to play the songs by listening. It's the same way as learning a language - we learn to speak before we learn to read and write.

Parental involvement is essential in this approach.

I want my students to think of music as their lifetime companion.

Violin Lessons

Teaching Philosophy

INTRODUCTORY JAZZ VIOLIN


Learn to improvise! For adventurous students, I can offer introductory jazz violin lessons.

Instead of learning scales or riffs in 12 keys, I'll teach you simple methods and techniques to improvise over chord changes. In the course of study, you'll also learn music theory to enhance your understanding of harmony.

FOR ADULTS


It's never too late to start. You can lean how to play the violin at any age. I can help you learning to play the songs you love.

For busy adults like you, lesson schedule can be flexible.

TEACHING BIOGRAPHY


Tomoko Iwamoto is a faculty member at Brookline Music School (1993 - present), where she led Suzuki violin classes and directed and conducted string ensembles.  She completed her Suzuki teacher training with Donald Becker at the Suzuki Institution of Boston, where she was a faculty member from 1993 to 2002.  She also taught at Indian Hill Music School, Littleton MA (1994-1995) and Brooks School, North Andover MA (1993-1994).

TRADITIONAL METHOD


For a school-aged student, I incorporate traditional methods. Listening is very important for all ages in music study, but I want to make sure students are learning skills and techniques in a balanced way.

I construct lessons with a more traditional approach using various method books for scales and etudes.

The student will also achieve sight reading skills, which is important for participating in ensembles and orchestras.

My private studio is located in Newton Corner MA.

Lessons are available in 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min length.

For more information, please click here to contact me.