Testimonials

“In addition to her extensive knowledge of violin and viola pedagogy, repertoire, and learning/performance opportunities outside of her studio – not to mention her impressive playing skills on viola, violin, and piano – Ellen approaches teaching with warmth and good humor. Her joy is both infectious and comforting, not just to her students, but to parents as well. When she began teaching my children at ages 6 and 9, she welcomed their toddler sibling to their lessons and seemed unfazed by the ensuing hijinks. More importantly, her kind demeanor translated into my six-year-old not dreading lessons (his usual outlook). Even when it was clear that the children had not practiced enough, Ellen was firm yet gentle, offering tips and strategies, but never scolding.”
–J.M., parent

I cannot express enough gratitude for Ellen and the impact she has had on my violin playing. She has a passion for music that shines in every lesson, making each one engaging and enjoyable. Her encouragement and support has boosted my confidence and allowed me to progress in ways I never thought possible. She is not only a fantastic teacher, but a role model who has inspired me to pursue my love for music with dedication and passion. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and growth Ellen has provided me and would highly recommend her to any aspiring violinist.
–B.L., student

“We were lucky to find Ellen when my daughter was ready to take her technique and performance skills to a higher level.  From the first lesson, Ellen understood my daughter’s individual needs as a musician and sparked her interest by introducing a world of new material and approaches to learning.  She is a teacher with that rare combination of attention to detail and high expectations, while also keeping lessons fun and motivating.  It’s been amazing to see my daughter’s growth in skill, artistry and confidence.  Ellen really has a special talent for a student like my daughter, coming from a strong background but needing something more.”
–S.M., parent

Ellen is an amazing teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience in teaching the violin. She was patient, supportive, and always had a positive attitude, which made my daughter feel excited and motivated to learn. The lessons were structured and challenging, but also enjoyable and creative, allowing my daughter to grow as a musician. She provided constructive feedback to help my daughter improve her skills. She also went above and beyond to support my daughter in any performance opportunities and helped her build confidence in her abilities. I highly recommend Ellen to anyone looking for a talented and supportive violin teacher. 
–C.L., parent

“Ellen is truly an exceptional educator. She knows that teaching is more than knowing your
the subject matter–it’s about connecting with students and helping them to master that subject matter!”
–B.Z., parent

She has extensive pedagogical knowledge and gets excellent results in her teaching (with all ages and levels). Her rapport with students is warm and genuine. And it shows, her students love her.
–Darcy Drexler, Founder & Director Emerita of the UW-Milwaukee String Pedagogy M.M. Program. Former Director of the String Academy of Wisconsin