Private Music Lessons
For viola and violin
In-Person and Online Lessons
I teach lessons in-person at Hope Street Music Studios in Mountain View, CA. Google Maps here. I also have a studio location available in Cupertino. Virtual lessons are available but not preferred.
For 2024-25 year, regular lessons are available on Monday through Thursday 3-7pm. Sundays and additional times may be available as needed for makeups or trials, both in in-person and online. Contact me to see what timeslots are currently available.
Weekly Lessons
Lessons are scheduled weekly for 30, 45, or 60 minutes. The length is recommended based on age and music background.
I offer a 45-minute trial lesson at a discounted rate.
Contact me for a quote on current lesson rates.
Studio Policies
- Flexible scheduling with notice.
- Tuition billed monthly.
- Contact me for the full policy.
If you are interested, contact me via this form: https://forms.gle/FJGUTxDQSUFGCqCCA
Why Choose My Studio
- My main studio is conveniently located at the intersection of Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto. Other locations available.
- Alternative to larger schools for families that enjoy more flexibility like with monthly tuition and advance reschedules.
- Customization through direct teacher communications, no administrative middle-workers.
A note for violists! Few teachers for viola actually play viola as their primary instrument. I have the specific knowledge, experience, and personality to teach viola the right way – honing your sound and passion.
I also teach for the Corporate Arts Program with the Community School of Music and Arts and sub at other music studios in the Bay Area. Find me at CSMA if you’re interested in the additional enrichment opportunities available through the arts nonprofit.
Teaching Philosophy
I have taught students at all levels and ages. Recognizing that each student is unique, I shape my teaching style to fit each one. My teaching philosophy is based on the Suzuki method, and you can learn more about it here.
Goals of Private Lessons:
- Learn music through repertoire
- Focus on instrumental technique and musicality
- Practice independence and perserverance
- Have fun making music!
A Studio Community
- Group Lessons: play music with your peers!
- Studio Classes: perform and receive feedback from peers!
- Recitals: perform for our community, family, and friends!
Accessibility Advocacy
I served for two years as President and one year as Project Coordinator of the Idaho Music Teachers Association Boise State Chapter. We strived to develop and support independent music teachers, their students, and our community. In 2018, I trailblazed a Subsidized Music Lesson Program which provided 200 lessons for 20 low-income students in just 1.5 years.
Club officers attended the IMTA State Conference in 2017 and presented about this program in 2019. We also received an Associated Students of Boise State Grant for 10 club members to attend the 2019 MTNA National Conference in Spokane. In 2021, I presented about the program at the Music Teachers National Association Conference online.
My Strengths
Adaptive
I observe the student and teach them in the way they learn best. I am flexible with rescheduling.
Experienced
I have taught for 10+ years and have worked with students from many backgrounds.
Equitible
I offer discounts for low-income students: donate or benefit.
I am really impressed how [Brooke works with my son] who is 7 and started violin 1.5 years ago. [She] ‘see[s]’ him and get how he is and works with him from there. [She provides a] mixture of kindness, rigor, and standing for the love of music. [Brooke is] an overall package. Bottom line – [my son] is inspired to play and practices because he wants to get better.
As per my son …“Before I started my lessons with Ms. Brooke, I was an ambitious person who wanted to get accepted to a youth orchestra. At that time, I was last chair in my school ensemble and I hadn’t expected much. After a month of lessons, I got accepted to two youth orchestras; CYS and BPYO. I absolutely could not have gotten to where I am without lessons from her.”
*This student now plays in the California Youth Symphony Associate Orchestra*
“Brooke was an excellent teacher. She taught me for 2 school years, 8th grade-10th grade, and my playing improved exponentially during that time. Brooke … went above and beyond to help me with these lessons and in ensuring that I could continue doing them with her, despite not having much money to give her for her deserving work.
Because of Brooke, I’ve had many opportunities arise that I never thought possible before … I secured a place in the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra … I made it in [to college] with scholarships as a Music Education major.
… Brooke has been crucial in the development of my skills and in general performing. This just goes to show that she has made a great and memorable impact in not only my life, but in many others’, too. She included a plethora of musical terms and concepts in our lessons that really helped me along the way, even if I did not realize how so at first.
I am really thankful to have been able to take lessons with her. I don’t think that many things in my life would have gone in the way that they did without the help of my amazing viola instructor.”