Our children came to Elise after we received glowing recommendations from former and current students. At first we were a bit intimidated by her exceptional credentials, as both a performer and teacher. After all, our young girls had never taken music lessons.However, we quickly found that her passion for teaching and music – coupled with her ability to connect with each student’s personality – is why she is so effective and is the source of her many recommendations. Elise uses a method that combines several teaching philosophies. The result is comprehensive in nature and provides the student with a wonderful foundation in music theory, rhythmic improv, composition & note-reading. Elise is a skilled professional, organized, and wholly dedicated to teaching the art of music to her students. We have been extremely pleased with our children’s progress.
Nathan C., in Pflugerville, TX
Daughters age 4 1/2 and 6
We’re very fortunate to have you as Reilly’s violin teacher because you teach much more than just violin — we appreciate that you’re also helping her grow as a person!
Judy M. in Austin, TX
Daughter age 14
I would like to thank you for what you have done to Jin Wei in the past two years! It has been great blessing to her. Jin Wei has made an incredible progress in violin playing under your direction. You introduced her to the wonderful music world and inspired her to play music from her heart.Compared to the education I received when I was kid, Kaleidoscopes books are more “kids friendly” and “music oriented.” Kids love to play music instead of playing boring etudes and finger exercises when they start music education.I also like the “Line and Spaces” book, which has sight reading exercise and “solfegge singing.” I think solfegge singing is very helpful to ear training and wonder why it is not widely taught in U.S. public school system. In several other countries I know, solfegge is covered in public elementary school music course.Jin Wei loves your jokes, funny stories, silly faces. We love you as a teacher and appreciate what you have done to Jin Wei and other kids in the group!
Hong S. in Cedar Park, TX
Daughter age 8
The music we picked was super fun! I also liked how you let me pick music that I liked instead of just picking it for me.
Zoe, age 14
I was touched by your evident love of the arts, something that I share. I cannot imagine a world without art and poetry. That echoed with me. Many students played well and one in particular blew my mind. I had tears in my eyes at the end of his first piece …. I looked for his parents to express our admiration and feel it is a name to watch for and already he is like a little maestro on stage.Though intending to stay halfway we gladly stayed the entire time to listen to the kids. I felt such joy and appreciation for I cannot play a note myself. I can only imagine what these kids put in over and above academic pressures. Thank you for your time with [my daughter].
U. A. in Round Rock, TX
Daughter age 12
I wanted to let you know that Kayla earned 2nd Chair in the Intermediate Orchestra at Lamar – and she was so thrilled! Her reading ability has taken off. You gave her not only the skill, but the confidence to go along with it. I love how much musicality and music history and listening is a part of the expectations. I have been so impressed with how far Kayla has come this semester.
Mary D. in Austin, TX
Daughter age 12
As usually, Mae went home with a sense of accomplishment today. And it was a big break-through for her today. You have no idea how much she admires you and loves to go to each lesson.
H.B. in Round Rock, TX
Daughter, age 10
My daughter has been taking lessons since she was 3 1/2 with Ms. Elise. She is most thoughtful in her pedagogy and her approach is child-centered and fun for my daughter. She has absolute faith in each child’s ability to develop musical sensitivity and joy in accomplishment and she teaches the parents to have faith, too.
I believe my daughter could not possibly test a teacher more, and I am in awe of Elise’s patience and ability to immediately know where my daughter is coming from. If you care about the process of learning, then Elise is great because she breaks everything down so clearly and gently teaches attention to quality. If you care about results, she gets those too because her students play with such musicality and technique.
Kumi T.
Daughter age 5
I still remember when Ahmad started playing the violin and to hear him play this piece was impressive. He really enjoys learning from you. Thank you for all your efforts helping him learn the violin.
Sanjeev D.
Son age 13
I cannot express my complete joy that we have you as a teacher! I am 100 % sure we are at the right place and my kids’ joy for playing is a testament to that. Isabella has enjoyed playing for a long time, but as you can tell, she has felt very confined by the Suzuki material in the past. Now that she has the right content and choice, she is a happier player and better at practicing too. Also, I must let you know that although I have been only a casual listener of classical music at best, I am thrilled with the new assignment for listening to violin specific works. I too am increasing my musical knowledge along with Isabella. And I also found a new favorite Youtube video of the Brahms Hungarian dance. Been hitting replay all morning!
J.D. in Austin, TX
Daughter age 10
Eli’s study has been an amazing and fantastic experience. I’m astounded at what you and he have been able to accomplish in the last two years!
Peter K. in Austin, TX
Son age 7
You have been an amazing teacher! I have enjoyed everything about our lessons! Thanks for truly teaching me to be inspired by music.
Rasmin, age 14
There is nothing to make the lessons better. Because, your lessons are amazing!
Maaya, age 12
I really had a lot of fun in my private lessons this year. I love my teacher I have. She was really nice and funny. Plus, she helped me get smarter and better at the violin. I learned more about music and music notes and all these cool and useful skills and things you can do on the violin.
Megan, age 11
The recital was exceptional. We all had an inspiring time, especially Darren. He said he was watching everyone’s bow holds!
Emily (parent of Darren, age 5)
I am so happy that I had you as a violin teacher! You always taught me that music is so much more than just playing notes, and I hope to take this lesson with me and continue playing in college. You were an amazing teacher and I will never forget you!
Mahia, age 17
Suyin told me that she really enjoys lessons with you. She said you really care about how she could express her music, not just how much she could play. I’m really happy that she enjoys.
Min (parent of Suyin, age 13)