VIOLIN LESSONS
with Lisa Pettipaw
Watson Mill Studio
Saco, Maine
Bring the joy of music into your life
Learn discipline & problem-solving skills
Develop confidence while having fun!
The Studio — Lessons continue to be held in the sunroom to allow for ample distancing and ventilation. Parents are welcome to wait in my music room, on the deck, in the yard, or in your car. Lessons in your home are possible depending on schedule and location (there is a travel fee for single students—waived for two or more students in the same house or neighborhood).
Thinking about lessons? — Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I offer a free trial lesson to all new students to give us chance to meet and chat!
Please see my RATES/INFO page for prices and contact information.
My teachING GOALS
Instill a lifelong love of music
Teach good learning skills and habits
Boost academic success by improving concentration
Build confidence and self-awareness
Enhance self-expression through music
Reduce stress
ABOUT LESSONS
Lesson plans are designed to reflect the age and interests of each student. I use a blend of Suzuki and traditional methods. The Suzuki books have a great collection of songs arranged to introduce skills sequentially. I supplement this series with fiddle tunes, duets, scales and studies. My job is to teach students how to work hard and have fun at the same time!
Please see my RATES/INFO page for prices and contact information.
TESTIMONIALS
"Lisa is a very talented music teacher who is loved by her students. She makes learning music fun by playing musical games with her students to build up their confidence. She is both calm and patient with her students." –TF
"Lisa is a wonderful violin teacher! She is creative and flexible in her teaching. Not only that, she understands each student’s individual talents and sparks their interests. Throughout their childhood, she engaged my kids in every lesson with laughter and appreciation for music, watching them grow from preschoolers all the way through their teenage years. I am more than lucky to have had her as my kids' teacher!” –JH
"Lisa was my teacher for 10 years, from my 8th birthday to my high school graduation. Playing violin was a hugely important part of my childhood, and today I cannot imagine my life without it. Lisa made sure that I stuck with it even when it was difficult, because instead of just teaching me technique, she also taught me to love music. She made lessons and practicing fun and enjoyable from the start, and taught me rigorous orchestral and solo repertoire after I learned the fundamentals. I was pushed to always practice and grow without ever feeling pressured or inadequate, and I looked forward to every weekly lesson." –AM
ABOUT ME
The daughter of a violinist and a trumpet player, I grew up immersed in the Boston classical music scene. Beginning violin lessons at age six with my mom, I was privileged to also study with Daniel Stepner, and Boston Symphony Orchestra violinists Marylou Speaker Churchill and Valeria Vilker Kuchment.
I spent 15 years on the business side of music, managing a violin shop, during which time I performed with orchestras and chamber music groups and also completed my Suzuki Teacher Training. In 2002, I decided to begin teaching full-time and opened my violin studio in Boston. I also taught at the British School of Boston (four years) and in the Melrose public school program (ten years). The joy of teaching continues here in Saco, Maine, where my husband and I relocated in 2015. My home studio provides a peaceful haven for learning and relaxing sitting rooms for parents and siblings.
I have performed with the New England Philharmonic, an orchestra dedicated to contemporary classical music, since 2007 as assistant concertmaster and enjoy its unusual, intriguing and challenging programming. I also participate in the NEP Chamber Players' series: community outreach programs which have included fun and unusual performances at Peabody Essex Music, Boston Children's Museum, public schools and more. My mother, violinist Dianne Pettipaw, and I enjoy playing Violin Duo concerts at schools, senior residences, and the occasional wedding.