Sheila is a professional performer who is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with people of all ages and levels – whether you or a child in your life have always wanted to play violin/viola or you would like to get back to playing after some time away from it. Sheila teaches privately in Guelph, and maintains a studio in Toronto at the North Toronto Institute of Music and in Downtown Guelph.
Testimonials
“Sheila is an exceptional violin teacher. She relates well to students, encouraging them in their playing. Rather than relying on someone else’s method, Sheila confidently tailors her lessons to the needs of the student. Using subtle, non-verbal cues (such as a gentle touch to the elbow) she provides the direct, personal feedback a beginner needs to develop proper playing technique. Plus, I love how she teaches things that my child is not even aware of learning such as how to practice and how to play musically.”
“Sheila has a masterful way of balancing technique and fun. She is kind and supportive. Sheila’s passion for the violin is infectious.”
“Sheila is such an amazing teacher. Every single time we go into a lesson I can see her determination to teach me something new. I’ve only been playing the violin for just under two years now, and she has already taught me just about everything there is to know about the violin. She is super patient and wants to make sure I’m happy when I play the violin, and she always motivates and encourages me to keep playing the violin.”
“… the best violin teacher!”
“It is with great pleasure that I write in support of Sheila as a violin and string instrument teacher. I began studying the violin as a teenager and am now an adult student. Over the years I have studied with a variety of instructors. Sheila is the best instructor that I have had. She is patient and thoughtful and above all, extremely creative.
In addition to being a student, I am also a teacher of French and the History of Ideas. I have taught young children and students of all levels, including the graduate school level. My experience as both a student and professor give me the perspective necessary to understand what is required to be a gifted instructor. It is my personal experience that enables me to judge Sheila’s gifts as a teacher. It is also this experience that enables me to testify to her talent as an unusually gifted instructor. I consider myself to be most fortunate to be studying with Sheila. I do not exaggerate when I write that this experience is a joy for me.”
“Sheila has been our regular violin/viola coach for ten years and is wonderful with our students. With her expertise and encouraging manner Sheila inspires and helps the students discover how to translate the spirit of the music into their playing.”
“…Thank you for being such a terrific teacher for K. Previously she found the social aspect of one-on-one lessons very overwhelming, but you really made her comfortable and able to focus on the music.”
“I am glad to have had you as a teacher. I’ve learned so much under your wing and I can’t express my gratitude enough. I have never improved so much in my abilities as much as under your supervision.”