INTRODUCING
Minimal String Ensemble
These lessons will give you the fundamental music theories and techniques you need to succeed in playing with others. All of these in a straightforward and easy way to understand, adjusted to every level.
During our bimonthly lessons we are (of course!) going to focus in the repertoire of minimal music from 1968 until nowadays. Even though this style is inside the classical music frame, it has recently raeached a wider and younger audience through composers like Ludovico Einaudi and Max Richter. But it is important to know the history and work with the amazing music of Simeon ten Holt, Glass, Reich & Riley.
I will help you be aware of the interlocking mechanisms between your body and the instrument with a training I’ve tested in my daily practice as a professional touring musician.
As a result I’ve developed a plan with group exercises and a specific repertoire. My classes are for violin, viola and cello students of all levels who wish to develop their own musical personality as well a solid technique.
With this program you'll learn that playing in an ensemble is easy... if you know how!
STRING FUNDAMENTALS
What you'll learn
Master a solid technical foundation
and get rid of bad old habits by understanding the fundamental principles of violin technique. Learn how to integrate your daily movements in the approach to the instrument. Bringing awareness and balance to your playing.
Improvisation
Ultimately, I want students to develop their own way of thinking and playing. Students can get a sense of this early on during the lessons where I introduce and incorporate elements of improvisation to help develop creativity and self expression.
Develop your Critical Listening
In these lessons we will work on how to properly listen to what others are playing, in order to establish a musical dialogue.
Nurture a positive and encouraging inner critic
by understanding your thought process you will be able to optimise your playing. Many times your beliefs may hold you back from reaching your desired goals. This is the reason why it is important to address our limiting beliefs through the correct use of language.
Develop your own musical ideas
My main goal is that you learn the tools that will ultimately help you communicate emotions, musical ideas and develop your own musical personality. by simultaneously learning about music theory and history you will be able to become independent and creative in your own practice. As a result you'll expand your musical influences and develop your creativity.
METHOD
How I teach
I show students of all levels with a genuine passion for music how to optimise and amplify their practice to achieve their goals and unlock their creative potential.
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I design individualised music parts , in order to enhance the students natural talents. Originality is something to aspire to!
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I employ the Socratic method, which involves asking questions and encouraging introspection, during lessons in order to get students thinking about the fundamental ways in which they approach playing an instrument. Often the lesson turns into a exchange that allows the student to be an active participant in their own learning.
GUIDANCE ELEMENTS
What you'll get
When you enroll in my program
10 sessions of 65 minutes
tailored according to the student specific needs.
Notes
explaining the main subjects we work during the sessions, example pictures and relevant links
Asynchronous Feedback
I encourage my group students to submit a video in between each session in case there are questions. This is to help them in their study progress and be better prepared for the next lesson.
Personalised Ensemble Arrangements
all of the individual parts are personalised to the particular needs of each student.
Full help and support
I’ll offer my time to answer your questions any moment during the week
TESTIMONIALS
ideal combination
I have shared various projects, recordings and stages with Mara on many occasions. Mara has always amazed me with her high level of professionalism. She has an ideal combination that is not easy to find in musicians: great technique, deep musicality, and an open and flexible mind. I recommend her classes 100%.
— Federico Nathan
violinist Metropole Orkest
Lecturer Berklee College of Music Valencia
Uruguay
ABOUT ME
Meet Mara
A Violin-Viola Coach & Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, classical and electronic musician, professional traveler exploring the world.
Since starting teaching the violin in my teenage years, my vision has been to develop my practice in a body conscious, mindful and effective way and to empower my students to do the same. So that YOU can optimise your technique practice and find your creative voice.
My students are absolutely passionate about their musical journey. As their coach I help them become confident, independent and original players who can develop the tools to create and communicate emotions on their own terms.
I’ve recorded and performed with top players and ensembles including H. Schellenberger, Snarky Puppy (Grammy award winning), Junkie XL, European Baroque Orchestra as principal viola and European Chamber Orchestra as co-principal. Playing in concert halls around the world such as the Berliner Philharmoniker (DE), Concertgebouw (NL), Centro Cultural Kirchner (ARG), UNESCO (FR). As well as working as a string teacher at Instrumenta Festival (Oaxaca, MEX), teacher assistant at the Liceu Conservatory (Barcelona, ES) and extern jury member at the conservatories of ARTEZ, Arnhem and CODARTS, Rotterdam (NL).
Next to my Musical Performance Master Degree and Musical Research University Master focused on Artificial Intelligence. I’m a Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, certified in Emotional Intelligence As A Tool For Teaching and Neuroscience Applied To Education coach.
That’s my story in a nutshell. For the extended version click below!
