Kathleen C. TakeLessons Instructor Music, Violin, Viola Evanston, IL

Kathleen has years of experience teaching students of many ages and levels, from 5 to 55. As a teaching assistant at Eastman and at Northwestern University, she gave individual, private lessons to undergraduate and graduate violin students, under the supervision of her mentors. Also, in her own private studio, she has taught beginners as young as age 5, to adult students and those who want to play for recreation.

Kathleen earned her Master's degree in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music. She also has the distinction of being one of the first to earn the Certificate in College and Community Music Teaching at Eastman. She earned her Bachelor's degree summa cum laude from the University of California, Irvine. Currently, she is working toward the doctoral degree at Northwestern University.

In addition to her teaching activities, Kathleen has also coached chamber music ensembles and given orchestral sectionals. She is an active orchestral musician herself, playing with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the past two years, as well as other regional orchestras. Kathleen has performed as a soloist and recitalist in various venues in the Los Angeles area, New York, Pennsylvania and Chicago.

The goal of lessons depends on what the student wants to gain - whether that means getting into their school orchestra, getting ready for college or simply for the sake of enjoyment and musical fulfillment. I work with the student to determine the best course of study to meet their needs along the way.

With beginning students, I use a combination of Suzuki and traditional methods. The emphasis is on gaining a strong foundation, while also having fun and getting to play "real" music right away!

Classical Violin

Northwestern University - Violin Performance - 9/06-current
Eastman School of Music - Violin Performance, Teaching Certificate - 8/03-5/05
University of California, Irvine - Violin Performance - class of 2003

Music, Violin, Viola