Kim Chung

I am a violin and piano teacher based in Somerville, MA (Boston area). Growing up, I studied classical violin and piano. As a kid, I played "air violin" with wooden spoons until my parents found me a violin and a teacher. In 2015, I attended the Royal Conservatory in Antwerp, Belgium to deepen my skills and knowledge in classical violin. While in Belgium, I also studied the piano to better understand musical harmony and be able to accompany my students.

I am also an engineer with mechanical and electronics backgrounds. I use my analytical skills and understanding of acoustics when my students and I work together to make beautiful sounds. As playing musical instruments involves using the whole body, I combine body mechanics and acoustics to help my students achieve movement efficiency, tonal quality, and expression.

I accommodate the styles of music my students are interested in playing, grounded in the time-tested classical techniques. Whether you are a beginner, experienced, or just want to learn a song, I am here to help you!

Teaching Methods

Violin

Beginning -I use Suzuki books with beginning violin students. Suzuki books present time and tried sequence of songs and techniques. Some older kids and adults may find that some of the first songs are geared towards young kids. We can use a mix of other resources as well.

Violin holding and standing - Learn how to "hold" the violin which involves balanced distribution of its weight across the collar bone, jaw, left arm (violin), and the right arm (bow). This is fundamental to avoiding fatigue and restricted playing.

Left hand & Bowing technique - One of the challenges of violin playing is due to needing to manipulate two separate "tools" in the left and right hands, requiring very different body motions. Skills in coordinating the two are gained thru scales and technical studies.

Example books: Suzuki, Wohlfahrt, Kreutzer, Sevcik

Songs/Repertoire- I am flexible in helping you learn the songs that inspire you from beginner to advanced levels! Classical repertoire include music composed before 1900. I also help students learn pop songs. Pop songs arranged for the violin can frequently have poor fingering and bowing. In such cases, I will work with you to improve them so that they are more playable. In some cases, I will create arrangements for my students. You can an example here. Violin playing is much more enjoyable with accompaniment. For in-person lessons, I will accompany you on the piano.

Examples: Bach, Mozart, Bruch, Mendelssohn, Kreisler, pop songs, fiddle tunes

Piano

Beginning -I use the Faber Piano Adventures series with the beginning students. This series present a logical progression of techniques and musical development from beginner to early intermediate players. For students interested in pop-based studies, I supplement with Wunderkeys books.

Sitting at the piano - Learn how to balance the torso on the bench and free the arms and back for ease of playing. Piano playing involves the whole body and not just fingers in order to avoid fatigue and produce rich tones.

Theory - Piano music is composed based on chord progressions and harmony where multiple notes are played simultaneously. I will teach you the theory behind the music which will greatly increase the musical artistry.

Example books: Faber Piano Adventures, theory books

Technique- The piano is a percussion instrument where depressing a key activates the hammer which strikes the strings. Digital pianos try to mimick this. Technique building is based on this fundamental knowledge.

Example books: Faber Piano Adventures, scales, Hanon

Songs/Repertoire- I am happy to help you learn the songs that inspire you from classical to pop songs from beginner to advanced levels.

Examples: Beethoven, Debussy, Grieg, Chopin, pop songs, movie sound tracks