Teaching Philosophy

As a violin teacher, my goal is to provide high quality instruction through positive reinforcement thus cultivating the student’s love for music. I work hard to tailor each lesson to meet the individual student’s musical goals, level and learning style.

I have studied violin pedagogy through the Suzuki Method and with Elizabeth Faidley. With my students in mind, I have researched child psychology and child rearing models such as the Montessori Method in order to best understand and engage with my students at their current level of cognitive development.

I have over 15 years experience teaching students from age 2 to adult and from absolute beginner to college-level students. As a conservatory trained violinist, I teach a solid foundation in violin technique, theory and repertoire. I currently maintain a private violin studio in Yokohama, one in my home in Kawasaki and virtually, serving students of all ages across the globe. I have also been a violin faculty member at the Rugby School Japan since 2023. I can teach in both English and Japanese.

Learning to play the violin is a lifelong process. Music can lead us to new opportunities, meet interesting people and travel to unique places. Everyone can learn to play the violin. It is never too late to start! I look forward to being a part of you or your student’s musical journey. 

Education & Qualifications

Formal Education

California State University, Long Beach – Bachelor of Music

San Francisco Conservatory of Music – Master of Music

San Francisco Conservatory of Music – Professional Studies Diploma

Pedagogy Training

  • Suzuki Violin Book 1 – Liz Arbus

  • Suzuki Violin Book 2 – Kathleen Spring

  • Suzuki Violin Book 3 – Joseph Kaminsky

  • Suzuki Violin Book 4 – James Hutchins

  • Suzuki: Revisiting Book 1 Teacher Development – James Hutchins

  • Suzuki Violin Book 5 – Rolando Freitag

  • Suzuki Violin Book 6 – Rolando Freitag

  • Suzuki Practicum – Rolando Freitag

  • Suzuki Violin Book 7, 8, 9-10 (in progress) – Rolando Freitag

  • Wee Violin Workshop – Crystal Boyack

  • ミュージックマインドゲームズ 1dayワークショップ (日本語)— 中村 加奈 先生と 堀瀬 真依子 先生

  • Music Mind Games - One Day Workshop ー Kana Nakamura  and Maiko Horise

  • Mark O’Connor Method – Book 1 & 2 – Mark O’Connor

Language Qualifications

Japanese Language Proficiency Test  - N3 (2018)

Courses & Tuition

Trial Lesson - ¥3,000 for 30 minutes

¥1,500 Registration for beginning materials - Tax included (in person students only)

Please contact for current weekly rates

〜・Weekly Course・〜

Age 2.5 —> Senior

30 min

45 min

60 min

90 min

〜・Serious Study Course・〜

All Ages

Weekly Course / 2 times per week ……… Weekly Rate with 5% discount

〜・Hobby Course・〜

Junior High School Age —> Senior

*free 20-minute Zoom consultation is possible to schedule before the Trial Lesson in order to discuss your goals and concerns

5 or 10 Lesson Stamp Card

60 minute lessons are scheduled at a mutually agreeable time

Card is valid for one year from purchase date

〜・Virtual Studio・〜

Age 3 —> Senior

Weekly Course: 30/45/60/90 minutes ……… Weekly Rate

Lessons available via personal Zoom link

Yearly Virtual Studio Recital opportunity

Access

The Kawasaki Studio is located a 6 minute walk from Kakio Station in Asao-ku, Kawasaki on the Odakyu Line.

The Yokohama Studio is located a 10 minute walk from Myorenji Station on the Tokyu Line where I teach weekly on Tuesdays.

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My Virtual Studio is open to anyone around the globe. Hybrid lessons are also available for in-person students.

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I accept payment in US Dollars or Japanese Yen

Cash, Zelle, PayPal or SMBC bank transfer

 
 

〜・ Kakio Violin Studio ・〜

Lessons on Mondays & Wednesdays

(or by appointment)

Kawasaki, Japan

 

〜・ Myorenji Violin Studio ・〜

Lessons on Tuesdays

Yokohama, Japan

Testimonials

 

"[Christina is a] kind, smart and culturally very competent lady."

— Ms. Kim, former employer - San Francisco, CA

"Christina is such an amazing teacher. She is very kind and patient, and makes you feel comfortable, especially while trying out new techniques. She has helped me improve both in my skills and my confidence. As an adult student, it is important to me that I enjoy my lessons, but I also want to be challenged, Christina is really good at striking this balance. I look forward to my lessons every week!"

— Marie, 31 - San Francisco, CA

“If you are looking for violin lessons, Christina is fabulous!”

— Ali, parent of 6 yr old - Yokohama, Japan

 

“Christina is such a good teacher. They [the children] like her lesson.”

— Laney, parent of 6 and 9 yr old - Kawasaki, Japan

Please consider submitting a testimonial !

Are you a current student? Have you studied with me in the past? Have you come to my recitals either in America or in Japan? Please consider sharing a testimonial on my website!

Book Your Trial Lesson Here!

Trial Lesson is ¥3,000 for 30 min regardless of Course

FAQs

  • During the trial lesson, we discuss the student’s goals and learning speed, how much time they can dedicate to daily practice and scheduling going forward. I will introduce the violin for first time violinists or listen to experienced students play to assess the level.

    I charge ¥3000 for the trial lesson which lasts 30 minutes per student.

    For young students considering the Twinkle Course, the trial lesson can be from 15-30 minutes and costs ¥2000.

  • I charge monthly tuition at the beginning of each month. This gives us the flexibility to discuss possible changes, make ups or cancelations before they become an issue.

  • I accept cash or bank transfer with SMBC bank. For global online students or those located on the US Military Base, I accept PayPal and Zelle.

  • I allow for cancelations 24 hours in advance with credit given towards the next month’s tuition. Emergencies will be taken case by case.

  • Yes! During the 2020 lockdown, I switched to 100% online teaching. Since then, students have gradually returned to in-person how we feel comfortable. If scheduling conflicts arise, family illnesses, exposures, travel etc., I am always available to change an in-person lesson to an online lesson last minute.

  • Yes! I have experience teaching young students 100% online as well as hybrid online and in person. For students age 3 through 8, as well as first time violinists of any age, an adult is required to attend and participate in lessons with their student. Adults are encouraged to accompany their student in the lesson until around age 12 or first year of junior high.

  • AUDIO: For best results, please consider using an external microphone. As our world increasingly expands digitally, a high-quality video recording device, such as the Zoom Q2n-4K (which runs around 2万) can be a worthy investment.

    Please set your Zoom Meeting to “Original Sound ON.”

    VIDEO FRAME: Please set your device on a platform in line with your music stand. I would like to see your body and violin from the waist up. This way I can properly asses your left and right hands as well as posture.

  • Please be respectful of my space and my time. Try to be on time. Notify me via text if you might be late. Use alcohol spray provided at the door. Masking is optional—please let me know if you feel more comfortable if I am masked as well. Restroom is available on the first floor. Feminine products are available if needed.

    When you arrive for your lesson, be mindful of the student who is finishing their lesson before you. Take your violin out quietly and wait.

    Adults are encouraged to participate in the lessons with their student. For best results, the adult should accompany their student until Junior High age. For young students age 3-8, an adult is required to attend the lesson.

    Please prepare your lesson materials. If you have any questions about how to practice at home, please ask me in the lesson.

  • Yes! Recording the lesson either by video or audio is encouraged.

  • I ask that my students practice every day. Consistency is key in whatever we do. Find a time in your daily schedule where you can consistently put in your practice time. The more you prioritize practice, the faster you will see results.

  • I offer performance opportunities alongside colleagues both in Japan and internationally via Zoom. We typically join a pianist colleague’s studio for a joint studio recital in April.

    If the student is interested in participating in a competition or summer program, I am supportive of these goals as well.

  • Yes! I offer lessons globally via Zoom for those students who live outside of the Kanto region of Japan. I accept payment in US dollars or Japanese yen via online payment options for online students. Your time zone will be carefully considered while scheduling our lessons together.

  • No, unfortunately I do not have small size violins for rent. It is not common for instrument shops in Japan to rent small size violins however there are a few places. Generally, my students have purchased their own instruments.

  • Yes, I can help your student prepare for exams and competitions. The caretaker must be aware that they are responsible for purchasing the music required for the exam, registering, recording and submitting their student’s exam requirements.