Paula Beard

Stone Oak and North West
Violin, Viola, Chamber Music
Ages 7 to Adult, Beginner to Advanced

Bachelor of Music in Performance, University of Maryland, Baltimore
Master of Music in Performance, Catholic University of America, Washington DC
Post-graduate study: Milan Vitek, Germany; Michal Sobieski, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; Geoffrey Applegate, Detroit Symphony

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I like to focus on three main areas of instruction: 1-Give students the skills to build a solid technical foundation—using critical observation, scales, and technical studies appropriate to their level—that is necessary for any growth of musical expression and personal discovery. 2-Foster an atmosphere of respect and trust, so students feel encouraged to ask questions and express their ideas, and gradually take more of a role in their own development. 3-Work with the student to set goals, and show them how to organize and use their practice time to their best advantage.

I have been very fortunate to have studied with several excellent teachers and performing artists in my own musical development. Their wonderful musicianship and passion for their art, as well as their commitment to demanding the best from their students, were a great inspiration to me. I hope that my own love and respect for the violin and great composers, can inspire my students to find their own appreciation for classical music.

Biography

After completing my MM degree at CUA, I was invited to perform in an advanced chamber music course in Germany, and subsequently spent several years in Europe, playing with orchestras in Germany and Italy, and performing recitals and chamber music concerts. Additionally, I have been a member of the Savannah, Charleston, and Green Bay symphonies, the Minnesota North Star Opera, and several Texas orchestras. Currently, I am a regular sub with the San Antonio Symphony.

As a teacher, I am experienced with all levels of students, from young beginners to advanced high school and adults. I began teaching in D.C. with the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program, teaching intermediate and advanced technique classes and coaching chamber music ensembles. In Minnesota, I was an Artist Instructor at St. Francis Music Center, and a Visiting Artist-Teacher at Staples Middle and High School. Additionally, I was an Adjunct Instructor at Bemidji State University, teaching applied violin and string method courses. In Wisconsin, I was an Artist Instructor at the Wausau Conservatory of Music, and for six years taught at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. Currently, I am also an Adjunct Violin Instructor at St. Philip”s College.