Chris Loring
Lesson Feesfrom $35.00 / 30 Minutes
Promotions Available
About
I studied viola performance at the University of Northern Colorado and currently sit as the Principal violist of the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. As an avid member of the local Viola community, I perform and teach both professionally and personally on a regular basis.
I've been teaching private and group lessons for 20 years, and love working with students of all ages and levels!
The viola is a resonant, warm, and tonally complex instrument. It is these qualities that I love about it. As a teacher, I focus on proper setup and technique with a strong emphasis on tone and musicianship. Lessons are fun, engaging, and informative. I believe that playing music should be a joy, not a chore.
Viola students of all abilities can expect an in-depth exploration of the viola. Contrary to popular belief, the viola is not a "large violin"! It is a very different instrument with different technical & musical demands.
Repertoire, etudes, scales, shifting, vibrato, bow technique, and music theory are just some of what I offer during lessons. I love to help young students with their school orchestra music as well, so they can confidently perform in a group or solo setting.
When you learn the viola, you learn to play rich melodies and alto tones that fill your home, the orchestra, and the recital hall with warmth. It would be an honor to work with you on your viola journey!
My teaching style is fun and engaging while maintaining a strong focus on technique, tone, and musicianship.
Lessons always start with a skill-building warmup, and depending on your goals and needs will include instruction on scales, etudes, intonation, shifting, vibrato, music theory, bow technique, and tone. At its core, my instruction is meant to prepare students for recitals and other performance opportunities, however, the main theme is always about seeking joy, confidence, and satisfaction in playing music.
I love to finish our lessons with fun skill-building games that tap into improvisation and storytelling, different styles, music terms, and theory.
I studied Viola Performance at the University of Northern Colorado and have been mentored and taught by renowned violists including Dr. Juliet White-Smith (professor of Viola), Basil Vendrys (Professor of Viola and Principal Violist of the Colorado Symphony), and others.
In 2022 I accepted the position of Principal Violist for the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra. I perform viola professionally and in multiple community groups, in addition to working locally as a Viola sectional coach and private instructor.
For beginners, I utilize a hybrid of Bornoff and Suzuki methods. Links to materials will be provided to students as needed.
Intermediate and advanced students will dive into Galamian scales, appropriate etudes, and various viola repertoire.