Violin and viola · Skokie, Illinois
Play with less effort, and more freedom.
Conservatory-trained performer and teacher. Lessons for serious students preparing for auditions and ensemble work, built on efficient, sustainable technique.
New England Conservatory · Cleveland Institute of Music · Teaching assistant to Donald Weilerstein
Inquire about lessons
Regular lessons
Lessons built around the student
I teach with sensitivity and compassion, and I pay close attention to what each student needs. Lessons are joyful and reach for a high level of excellence.
Who I teach
Advanced students
Conservatory applicants and other players preparing for auditions and serious study who want a clear plan, high standards and detailed feedback.
Adult students
Many of my students are adults, including beginners who have just started and players returning to the violin after time away. Students of any age or stage are welcome.
Neurodivergent students
I have experience teaching neurodivergent students, and I shape the pacing, explanations and structure of each lesson around the individual.
Parents
I appreciate parent support of their child's playing and welcome parents as partners in their child's progress. Parents who bring an instrument to the lesson can learn too, and I am happy to teach them as well.
What lessons include
Playing efficiently
Tightening in the body and movements that do not serve the music limit speed, tone and stamina at any level. We look at how you set up, move and breathe, then find simpler ways to get the sound you are after.
Mid-week practice videos
I regularly watch mid-week practice videos as part of the lesson process, so we stay connected between lessons.
Online lessons
I teach online lessons for students anywhere in the world. À la carte services are available online too.
Recitals and studio classes
I hold recitals and studio classes, so students have regular chances to perform, hear each other and learn from one another.
Single services
À la carte
You do not need regular lessons to work with me. Each of these can be booked on its own, in Skokie or online.
Audition coaching
Preparation for orchestra, conservatory and summer festival auditions: repertoire choices, excerpts, mock auditions, and handling nerves on the day.
Chamber music coaching
I have played in a professional string quartet, and I coach duos, trios, quartets and larger groups on balance, tuning together, listening, and making rehearsal time count. Pre-formed groups are welcome to play for me.
Choosing a violin
Buying an instrument is a big decision. I help students and parents work out what to look for, compare instruments by playing them, and choose one that fits the player.
Practice help
I can help with practice techniques and with the practical question of when to fit practicing into a busy schedule.
Master classes
I can give master classes, either for solo playing or for chamber music, in person or online.
Mentoring for new teachers
If you are starting out as a teacher, I would be glad to help you build confidence and a clear approach to teaching. I have been teaching since high school, have extensive training in pedagogy, and serve as a mentor at New England Conservatory. I am open to meeting monthly, in person or online, to talk through whatever you are working on.
Background
Training and experience
A performing career, conservatory study and years of teaching.
Education
I hold a Master's degree in Violin Performance from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor's degree in Violin Performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music. I served as teaching assistant to Donald Weilerstein. I attended the Taos, Yellow Barn, Perlman Music Program and Kneisel Hall summer festivals.
Performing
I have toured internationally and played with members of the Cleveland, Takács and Juilliard Quartets. I am currently concertmaster of the Evanston Symphony Orchestra.
Faculty
I serve on the faculty of Midwest Young Artists Conservatory and The Music Institute of Chicago.
Student achievements
Some of my students have been section leaders in district orchestras, youth orchestras and school orchestras. Some have won concerto competitions, and some have gone on to pursue music or music education degrees. All of my students build a lifelong connection with their instrument.
Professional development
I have extensive training in the Suzuki approach, which builds skill through listening, repetition and encouragement. I have completed Suzuki training in Books 1-10 and the Practicum, and I continue to take enrichment classes.
I have additional training in improvisation, which helps students play by ear and feel at home on the instrument.
I am beginning my training in the Alexander Technique. It helps students become aware of their bodies and play with ease and freedom.
Ask me for a complete list of the training I have completed.
Memberships
I belong to the Suzuki Association of the Americas, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and Chamber Music America.
Contact
Start a conversation
Tell me about your playing, your current repertoire and your goals, and we will find a time. You can book regular lessons, or just one of the à la carte services, such as help choosing a violin or practice support.
- julie.d.fischer@gmail.com
- Where
- Skokie, Illinois, and online anywhere in the world
- Teaching
- Violin and viola, all ages and levels
- Rates
- Email me for rates