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 – 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

¥2,000 Registration for beginning materials - Tax included

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, Wise 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

 

Mrs. Christina is a great teacher that considered my personal goals and adjusts her advice and criticism accordingly. She also shared personal recounts that helped me understand different concepts, feel more motivated, or simply kept the lesson interesting. I would recommend her to anyone interested in learning the violin.

— Ethan, High School Student - Singapore

 

It has been over a year since we had the good fortune to have met you. You have been helping my daughter achieve so much on the violin and her music. Thank you!

— Yong, Parent of High School Student - Marin, CA, USA

"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, USA

 

Thank you for being such a wonderful and patient teacher!

— Stephanie, Parent of 4 & 8 year old - Yokohama, Japan

“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 & 9 yr old - Kawasaki, Japan

 

Thank you so much for teaching my daughter. I was impressed with her growth when attending the first concert.

— Hanna, Parent of Middle School Student - Chiba, 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