Cynthia Drexler

Student favorite
Violin, Fiddle, Viola
5.0
(103 reviews)
200+ lessons booked on Lessonface
Avg. Response Time: 128 hrs, 2 mins

Lesson Fees
from $32.00 / 30 Minutes

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About

Love of music and a  passion for excellence...  these are attributes I believe in and demonstrate to all my students.   If you have preference for a teacher who has years of experience, teaching and performing behind her, then I hope you will consider me as your new teacher!  I can help you with any technical challenge and performance technique, whether it be as a beginner, or as a transfer student and beyond.

To keep my skill honed in on the latest teaching techniques, I have attended numerous teaching conferences (through American String Teacher's Association and Music Teacher's Association). 

Besides earning both a Bachelor's and Masters degree in Music Performance,  I have participated in summer programs which included, Congress of Strings, Music Academy of the West, Blossom Music Festival, Fountainbleau School of Fine Arts in France and Orvieto Festival in Italy.

My teaching experience has included me always having a large private studio and I have established after-school music programs in both San Diego and in the Northern Colorado area. 

Performance wise I have performed with 5 different professional orchestras and have owned my own string ensemble (for more details please go to the credential section below).

I have a laid back, patient teaching style, but still gently insist that my students have good technique, which is the foundation to having successful musicianship. I come from a family of teachers, starting with my mom who taught me on piano and helped instill the love of music  from an early age.

I teach all styles of music - from Classical, to Inspirational/gospel, to Celtic, to Country/bluegrass/folk and beyond. I always enthusiastically embrace any style music of which my student is interested.  I also teach a few different methods and a vast array of solo material, and, at the commencement of lessons, I always try to find a method that suits both my student's goals and interests.

I believe in doing followup after each lesson.  This includes a synopsis of what was discussed and ways to improve over the next week, before the next lesson.  This saves each student time to not have to write down anything during the lesson and helps crystalize what is important to think about  after the lesson during practice sessions.

 It is my job to care about, and oversee you (or your child's) technique, that it is solid.  It is my goal to enthusiastically share my love of music and to teach musicality.  It is also important for me to help guide every student - by teaching  how to most efficiently and effectively practice.  As you or your child progresses, I will break down the process of learning something difficult into more easily to understand and attain, smaller chunks, so  that success will be felt by going through the process.  If my lead is followed and there is willingness to put in the time and the effort  - YOU (or your child) WILL SUCCEED and blossom into a fabulous musician!

If your child is younger than elementary school age, I will introduce you them to the world of violin (or viola) in a fun and safe environment.  With Mom or Dad nearby (and who willing to sit in on practice sessions) he or she will develop a love for music that will continue throughout their lifetime.

If your child is an elementary or middle school age student, I will help prepare them for school or youth orchestra by giving a solid background of technique and help with ensemble skills.

If you, (or your child ) are in high school and thinking about auditioning for All State orchestra or for your college entrance, or for an upcoming competition, I can help prepare you for all of those.  

If you are an adult, I will admire you greatly for taking the time to take lessons.  I will thoroughly enjoy working with you because I can certainly relate (I took both violin, viola and voice lessons once myself and know what it is like), and, will be your staunch supporter with an abundance of encouragement throughout the process.

If you, or your child is a transfer student of any age or level, I will gladly meet you where you left off and figure out and implement a plan of action to help get you to the next level and beyond.  

So, no matter what your age or skill level, prepare to have fun and really enjoy your learning experience!  Challenge yourself by taking lessons with me.

Please take advantage of the first free lesson I offer and then decide if I am the right teacher for you.  I ask that you give me the chance to show you my teaching style. I look forward to hearing about your musical journey and hope I can become a part of it.

Thank you for reading about me and considering perhaps hiring me to become your new teacher.  

B.M degree in violin performance (Eudice Shapiro - violin and Milton Thomas - viola) at USC, Los Angeles, M.M degree in viola performance (Margaret Miller, viola) at CSU, Fort Collins, Colorado, Member of Amani Graduate String Quartet - Summer program participation: Congress of Strings, Blossom Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Fountainbleau Music Festival in France, Orvieto Chamber music program in Italy, Teaching enrichment: Bornoff Festival Camp, held in Boston Professional teaching experience: Adjunct professor at San Diego Christian College - Private music studio teaching piano - violin and viola from 1998 to present - Owner of Camelot Strings string ensemble performing hundreds of events in the San Diego area Professional associations: Member of Music Teacher's Association, Colorado - Member of American String Teacher's Association - Member of San Diego Chapter - Musician's Union Startup of new music venture in Tennessee - MeadowCreek Mountain Music

For Classical Training:  Suzuki method supplemented with  String Starter or Bornoff Finger Patterns

For Fiddle Method (Mark O'Conner) Adventures in Violinland (Shirley Givens), and then Step By Step (prelude to Suzuki)

For Youngsters/Tweeners , age 8-11:  Fiddle time Starter or Viola Time Starter, My First Technique Book or Dozen A Day for violin

For Middle Schoolers: Essential Elements, Bornoff Finger Patterns

For High Schoolers:  Suzuki, String Starter, Bornoff, Scales for Young Violinists  or Violists (Barber)

For Adults: ABC's (Rhoda), Suzuki, or Fiddle Method (Mark O'Conner), String Starter, Bornoff

For intermediate/advanced students:  Wohlfhart Etudes, Kreutzer etudes, Flesch Scale System, More advanced Suzuki books, supplemental pieces appropriate for level.

For Transfer Students:  I try to use the same books student has used in the past and then supplement with technique books as mentioned above.

Reviews of lessons with Cynthia Drexler

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