Looking for violin teachers in the San Francisco/Bay Area

November 2, 2015 at 03:56 AM · I would considerate that to be an intermediate level of playing, rather than advanced -- you'll find plenty of teachers capable of teaching at the intermediate level.

Do you know where you're going to live? The Bay Area encompasses a very wide geographic area, and driving time is hugely affected by the terrible traffic. There are abundant violin teachers in the area, so you will probably want to find someone that's within a reasonable drive.

November 2, 2015 at 02:54 PM · Well if you rocked the Bourree from that Partita in your exam I would certainly think you are poised to study advanced literature. I can't help you with your question because I live in a different part of the country but if I were in your shoes I would contact the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. From what I saw on their website it does not look like they offer lessons to adults, but maybe they would help you with recommendations. Just be sure you talk to the teacher beforehand to be sure he or she is interested in teaching adults, not everyone is, and you need someone who will celebrate your interest in music and take it seriously. And welcome to the USA! The San Francisco area is stunning, although maybe not equal to the beauties of Australia.

November 2, 2015 at 04:31 PM · Some of the conservatory faculty also offer private lessons, including to adult amateurs, but to students more advanced than the OP (basically think "amateurs skilled enough that they are doing some professional freelancing").

November 2, 2015 at 06:50 PM · Give the folks in the music department at San Francisco State University a call or email, I'm sure they can recommend dozens of folks.

November 3, 2015 at 10:57 PM · We're probably going to be settling around Palo Alto or Mountain View. I'll keep in mind to contact those schools mentioned, but if anyone have recommendations for those areas, do let me know please..

November 4, 2015 at 12:11 AM ·

November 4, 2015 at 05:40 AM · Lydia--your response about op's level struck me funny, and I am curious about our definitions. I would consider her rep to be entry level advanced, worth looking for an advanced teacher unless there's major technical remediation to do. I think your definition of advanced may be something like conservatory, professional or at least preprofessional level? Makes me curious if there is is a consensus here or if it depends on your measuring stick. (I'm a school-level teacher so I may be looking at things from a different angle!)

Sorry no great suggestions for op except it's a beautiful area and I wish you the best success!

November 4, 2015 at 06:49 AM · I think of that as the late intermediate level. Advanced I would consider to be Bruch concerto and beyond.

There are more teachers who can handle late intermediate through early advanced. There are many fewer teachers that can teach the top end of the repertoire and virtuosic technique.

Suburbs to look at for teachers: Cupertino, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City -- more or less in order of south to north.

I studied with Claudia Bloom in Palo Alto for a few years, when I lived in the Bay Area.

November 4, 2015 at 06:42 PM · That makes sense. My own study through those levels was definitely not traditional, and so some of the pieces I am still "filling in the blanks" and putting in place for myself. What you say about the difference in levels does make sense with my experience on either side. Thanks for clarifying! Hopefully that provides some further guidance to mayumi as well!

November 6, 2015 at 01:07 AM · I just moved to Mountain View CA. I had to leave behind a teacher in the Boston area who I loved. I've started lessons with someone new who is interesting, theory-oriented, very analytical. We seem to be a good fit. I'd say I'm "advanced" in terms of orchestral playing, which is the kind of playing I prefer to do most of the time. The most advanced piece I've done as a solo is either the 4th mvt of the Franck sonata or Bloch's Simchat Torah, but I haven't done either of those with this teacher. (I did them back in Boston.) Email me through the site if you want to discuss more.