Abigail A. TakeLessons Instructor Violin Austin, TX

Abigail, 27, is originally from Annapolis, Maryland.  She received a Bachelor's degree in violin performance from East Carolina University and a Master's from the University of Michigan.  In April of 2008, she became an AmSAT (American Society for the Alexander Technique) certified teacher of the Alexander Technique from Alexander Technique Ann Arbor (ATAA), directed by Jane Heirich.

Due to enourmous amounts of tension in her violin playing, she developed tendonitis in her arms and eventually, athritis in her neck.  At the age of 19, after many unsuccessful attempts to fix the pain, she realized it had to be the way she was doing things that was causing her problems.  The Alexander Tecnique has helped her to not only be bale to play the ciol;in without injury, but also how to monitor how she thinks and moves throughout her daily life.

Abigail now combines the Alexander Technique with her violin teaching.  She uses it to enhance her instruction and help the student better understand how to play the instrument.  Focusing on the student's wants and needs, Abigail guides the pupil so that tension does not get in the way of playing and enjoyable music can be made.

"My main goal is to share my love of music with my students.  I welcome anyone, regardless of ability level or desired pace.  I enjoy teaching motivated students who want to learn and will take the initiative to practice on their own. 

Lessons consist of many different aspects, including:  technique, musical games, phrasing and dynamics, music theory, mind/body awareness while playing, duets, and bow distribution, just to name a few.  I use various books and do not stick to one particular curriculum.  My goal is to work with students' aspirations while making lessons productive, creative, and fun!"

I am classically trained and am willing to teach and have taught various fiddling, celtic and bluegrass styles as well as the classical genre. On April 4th, 2008, I became a certified Alexander Technique teacher and I use this technique in my teaching because it has helped improve my own playing. The Alexander Technique has aided in the release of tension in my playing and therefore also improved my techniques. It has allowed me to heal from tendonitis in my arms and arthritis in my neck. Now I use the Alexander Technique in my violin teaching so that other violinists do not injure themselves the way I did. I believe that this is of the utmost importance in violin teaching as many prominant teachers do not address tension in violin playing and have students with various serious injuries.

Alexander Technique Ann Arbor - The Alexander Technique (www.amsat.ws) - 2005-2008
University of Michigan - Music Performance-Violin - 2004-2006
East Carolina University - Music Performance-Violin - 1999-2004
Annapolis Senior High School - - 1995-1999

Violin