WLA, Violin/Viola, Strings Sarah Mensen WLA, Violin/Viola, Strings Sarah Mensen

JOHN ONDICH-BATSON

Teaches

Viola

Violin

 

Ages

6 and up

 

Education

B.A in Music from St. Olaf College

M.M. Orchestral Conducting from the University of MN Duluth

 

Lessons

Individual Private Lessons

Chamber Groups

30 minutes

60 minutes

 

Words to describe my teaching style

Passionate

Adaptable

Philosophical

Fun

John brings a conductor's viewpoint to teaching. He doesn't just teach how to play the instrument, but also the music theory and other skills (such as practicing hopefully) that accompanies the instrument. Two-way dialogue is critical in his teaching style as discussion about how to play the music compliments discussion about what the music means.

A typical lesson with John sets a routine that is adaptable to each student and what they are trying to accomplish. Most of the time this means beginning with scales/exercises and then progressing to the repertoire the student is working on. This includes ensemble music they may be working on as well as solo repertoire. In longer lessons, there is also more time for music theory training. 

In his spare time, John enjoys building and painting miniatures as well as playing tennis. 

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Summer Camp, Violin/Viola, Cello, Brass, Woodwinds, Piano, Percussion, Strings Sarah Mensen Summer Camp, Violin/Viola, Cello, Brass, Woodwinds, Piano, Percussion, Strings Sarah Mensen

CHAMBER MUSIC CAMP

Chamber Music: the most sought-after, gold-standard genre of classical music, otherwise known as the Art of Collaboration. It is learned only by direct experience with peers.

Taught by faculty members Sam Rudy (violin/viola, co-founder Lux String Quartet, Oskaloosa Music Festival, and member of the Quad City Symphony) and Rachel Williams (cello/piano, principal cello of Minnetonka Symphony, Spring Lake Park School District, and Valley Presbyterian Church), local student musicians will experience the joy this art form has to offer over a week of rehearsals, coachings, masterclasses, and a final performance.

Rather than spending rehearsal time learning one's own part, this camp teaches its musicians how others' parts go and how to fit with them. Students will be expected to have excellent preparation before camp begins.

Chamber Music's skill-set includes listening, responding, preparing, focusing, polishing, conversing, performing, experimenting, improvising, and learning; in total, the Musicality of Collaboration.

Recommended for intermediate and advanced string students and/or advanced wind and keyboard students; pre-formed groups welcomed but not required.

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