I started taking viola lessons as a complete beginner with Karen when I was in 5th grade, and continued weekly until I graduated high school. Throughout this time, Karen helped improve my playing by leaps and bounds, from barely scratching out a note or two to getting into the top group of Colorado’s All State Orchestra. She is without a doubt one of the most patient and knowledgeable teachers I’ve ever had, and truly cares about helping her students get the skills and confidence to succeed. When I entered college as a music minor, the high stakes and expectations felt incredibly reasonable due to the solid preparation I had with Karen through her multifaceted approach to music. Beyond just solo pieces, she often extends her coaching. to group playing in orchestras, preparing for auditions, learning music theory, and even helping to manage performance anxiety and stage fright. Her lessons are structured in a very personalized way to help you achieve whatever your goals for playing are, whether that’s participating in group ensembles, learning more modern and non-classical music, or just generally trying to learn the basics of stringed instruments. I cannot say enough good things about Karen and would highly recommend her to anybody of any skill attempting to improve their playing.
-Alexis H.
Taking violin lessons for the past 7 years at Silver Strings Academy has been a true joy. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a mom, taking care of myself is paramount to allowing me to show up for others; playing the violin does just that. I am able to engage a different part of my brain and I can always count on feeling more relaxed and accomplished after practice or a lesson. As an adult student, some days are definitely more frustrating than others but Karen has always been patient, kind and supportive of me in my process so learning this instrument has never once felt like a chore. Being able to share my love of music with others, and now also with my oldest son, has added a layer of richness to my life that I would not have had the privilege of accessing without Silver Strings.
-Amanda W.