Our approach
We passionately believe that MUSIC brings our worlds closer together, holding a key to building loving communities, boundless creativity and instilling a beautiful sense of self. MUSIC is a lifelong companion and universal vehicle of self expression, offering great joy as both a music-maker and listener. The process of learning the craft gives us valuable gifts of discipline, focus, patience, confidence.
Trina's teaching approach blends Suzuki violin pedagogy with her background in Music Therapy and proficiency in various styles of music. In classes, she focuses on building a solid foundation, emphasizing technique, repertoire, sight reading, ear training, theory and creativity. With years of teaching experience, she believes in a holistic approach, discovering how each student learns and understands music in their own unique way. Creative activities to work on skills like song writing, composition, improvisation and understanding different musical traditions help bring a more personal experience to the learning, empowering students to think and create independently. With younger students, Trina encourages parents to be involved by attending lessons, taking notes and diligently practicing at home with their child. Yearly recitals for family and friends give students an opportunity to perform solo and ensemble music in classical and non-classical contexts. Additionally, students get the opportunity to play in community spaces such as Nursing Homes, building meaningful connections to music while giving back to local community. Trina has a BM in Music Therapy from Florida State University, teacher training from School for Strings and over fifteen years of teaching experience.
As a Carnatic violin teacher, Arun passes on his traditional upbringing in Indian Classical music, emphasizing a strong foundation in the fundamentals of Raga and Tala, vocal and ear training, and various aspects of manodharma (improvisation). These tools lay the groundwork for a deep understanding of melody and rhythm, ultimately leading to performance of compositions and improvisational elements like alapanai and swarakalpana. With students ranging from children and beginners to professional musicians interested in exploring Carnatic music, classes are tailored to the needs of the student. Professional musicians can explore instrumental techniques, theory and improvisation. Through his experience working in various musical settings, Arun has the ability to connect with a wide range of musicians and provide traditional and contemporary applications of Carnatic music. As an Indian American, he understands the challenges of studying a tradition far from its place of origin, and hopes to inspire a passion for Carnatic music in all his students.
