SARA CHAZIN / Violin
Violin Lessons
Hello and welcome to my teaching studio! A main goal of mine in life is to spark an appreciation for music in people of all ages. I believe in implementing violin-teaching methods in a way that is generally a positive experience for each student. At the same time, I hope to instill a sense of responsibility for one's home practice, in between lessons. For younger students, having a parent or guardian present in lessons and as a home teacher is ideal for optimal absorption of the material.
For the past seven years, I have taught children (ages 5 and up) and adults. My beginner curriculum has two tracks - the Suzuki Method, or a more "traditional" method. After the beginning stages, we start lessons with a scales for bow control, distribution, having a good sound quality. Then we play an etude (a study), and go on to the main repertoire (song). Many of these songs are duets in the first years of the traditional method. Lessons are catered to each individual, so if someone requests a fiddle song, folk song, or movie theme song, we usually play them, if they are attainable / within the person's skill level. We also strive for organization: together we set achievable goals, record them in a practice notebook, and award prizes (with younger kids).
I am happy to say that some of my students have continued on to participate in and be leaders in orchestras and group string programs.
If you are interested in lessons, please contact me via this fillable form, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Rates for Private Lessons:
In-person lesson at my studio * - $80 / hr
30 minutes - $45
45 minutes - $65
60 minutes - $80
*Neilson Street @ Thousand Oaks Blvd
Berkeley, CA 94707
Referrals: Refer me to a friend and receive one free lesson in the amount of one of their lessons. (For example, if referral takes 30-min lessons, you will receive $45, etc.)
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“My daughters (now 9 and 11) have been taking lessons with Sara for almost three years. She is incredibly patient and encouraging and she is a very positive, joyful presence in our lives. My kids are motivated to practice, and they are eager for lessons each week. Her shift to teaching over skype has gone smoothly, and they are continuing to make great progress. We are so grateful to have found Sara as a teacher!
- Laura L.
"My daughter is taking online violin lessons with Sara Chazin. She just had a group zoom recital last night and it was great to see all the efforts of the kids. It gave them something to look forward to during this time besides being quarantined. We greatly appreciated her efforts which gave us a sense of community. It was wonderful!
- Lauren V.
“My daughter started taking private violin lessons with Sara from the 3rd grade. She was referred to me by my daughter’s school’s music teacher. It’s been an amazing journey to have Sara as my little girl’s violin teacher. Sara is very patient, a good listener and more importantly understands how to motivate young pupils to continue with violin.
Along with classical Suzuki book lessons, which is great for learning techniques but initially was way too boring for my little one’s music taste, Sara taught her in between few playful “Jig” violin pieces. My daughter immediately fell in love with violin and was eager to practice her violin everyday. At the same time Sara is extremely good and strict with techniques such as bowing, posture, etc and I believe these are very important skills to learn right from the beginning, as these habits are hard to change later.
My daughter is a continuing student with Sara for the last 5 years and her skills are getting better every day (my daughter’s current level is Suzuki book 4). My daughter is now able to read new music notes and can play accordingly with minimum supervision. Additionally, Sara is very organized and professional. She always finished her lessons with homework for the student and learning highlights from class.
During the recent Covid 19 situation, Sara organized zoom classes and it was a great approach, as students didn’t need to pause their music lessons. Additionally, Sara organized couple of Zoom recitals to keep the same vibe in this new normal environment.
I am very happy and thankful to have Sara as my daughter’s violin teacher and I highly recommend her.“
-Moumita
Current Location:
Private Studio in Berkeley, CA (2015 - present)
Past Locations:
Reeder Music Academy, Danville, CA (2019 - 2021)
Musically Minded Academy, Oakland, CA (2015 - 2021)
My Training:
Suzuki Teacher Training - Deerfield, Illinois
Mimi Zweig Violin Teacher Retreat - Indiana University
Certificate of Achievement in Early Childhood Education - Merritt College, Oakland
Bachelors Degree in Music Performance - McGill University
Masters Degree in Music Performance - Chicago College of Performing Arts