I love music and I love teaching! I believe everyone is capable of learning to make music and that being able to sit down and play music with others is one of life's great delights. My goal as a teacher is to help each student become independent, creative, curious, and well-rounded musicians and I strive to make lessons fun and challenging. Most of all, I want my students to leave with the skills to do whatever brings them most joy with music, whether that be playing tunes with friends, playing in a band, writing their own music, or joining a school or community orchestra.
In-person lessons take place in my home in South Baltimore (close to I-95). Online are done on Zoom.
Fiddle:
I teach bluegrass fiddle, a little Old Time, a little Texas Swing, and a smidge of Irish and contra dance styles (I can refer you to someone more equipped in those styles if that's what you're looking for). For fiddle students, I generally teach by ear. That's the fiddle tradition and the best way to master the nuances of fiddle styles. I do provide sheet music for reference in the beginning if students need, but the goal is to get off the page as quickly as possible. I send (or students record during the lesson) a recording of the new tune and also generally make listening recommendations for each tune. I teach beginner through intermediate fiddle.
Classical Violin:
For violin students, I use a few method books including Suzuki, Solos for Young Violinists, Scales for Young Violinists, as well as supplemental material for sight reading, etc. Students learn to sight read from the beginning, however ear training and memorization is still very much a part of lessons. I teach beginner through intermediate violin.
I work with students all students (fiddle and violin) on healthy and correct technique and posture, as well as basic theory, group/ensemble playing skills, undertsanding chord progressions, harmonizing, and improvisation.
30 min - $40
45 min - $50
60 min- $60
Ages 6+ (or 10+ online)
"Malia is THE BEST!! I was extremely intimidated to pick up an instrument (especially the fiddle), but she made learning very approachable, fun, and rewarding. Can't wait to sign up for more!" (Summer/Fall 2020)
"Malia is simply amazing with the kids. She conveys enthusiasm and encouragement while at the same time providing correction and guidance, which is wonderful and very effective.” (Parent of 7 yr old in Kids Fiddle Class)
"I just wanted you to know that I am truly enjoying my fiddle class and love my instructor Malia. She's absolutely excellent in every way. This fiddle class is the happiest thing I have going on my life right now, so again I thank you very much." (Adult fiddle group class student)
"Malia is a delightfully dedicated teacher, her small group classes are demanding in just the right positive way, that encourages my child to practice and be prepared for class without feeling worried or intimidated by learning new music skills."
"Malia is such a creative teacher. She teaches rhythm & reading music with legos which is directly connected to fractions- so cool! She is patient & encourages my daughter to challenge herself." (Summer/Fall 2020 - children’s programming survey)
In process of becoming Kodaly Certified (Level 1 + supplemental coursework in Alexander Technique completed)
Suzuki Teacher Trainings: Every Child Can, Book 1, Book 2
3 years teaching Adult Continued Education classes in fiddle & mandolin at Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA
10 years teaching private and group classes to children and adults
4 years curriculum development for large non-profit community music school (The Front Porch, Charlottesville, VA)
4 years - Director of Music Education (The Front Porch, Charlottesville, VA)
Developed group class curricula for: Songs of the Carter Family, Beginner Bluegrass Ensemble for Adults, Beginner-Advancing Intermediate Bluegrass Fiddle for adults, Instrument Exploration (3-5), Fiddle for Wee Ones (ages 3-5), Beginner Guitar for Kids, Beginner Fiddle for Kids, Beginner - Intermediate Fiddle for adults, Favorite Fiddle Waltzes for Adults, Fiddle for Violinists (teens & adults), Improv for Advancing Fiddlers
Have taught camps & workshops around the U.S.