Hannah I. — Violin Teacher — Vancouver-South Granville, Vancouver

As a working musician, I divide my time between teaching, performing, composing, and recording. I have written, arranged, and recorded for artists across a range of genres, including Grammy Award-winning producer Carmen Rizzo, and have collaborated with musicians, filmmakers, dancers, and visual artists in Canada, Europe, and Japan. Earlier in my career, I lived in Tokyo, where I performed as a first violinist with the Waseda Symphony Orchestra. My current work combines violin with electronics and spatial sound, and I have performed at festivals and venues including Berlin's Sanctum of Sound Festival and Vancouver's Lobe Studio. Alongside my music practice, I am also a filmmaker and composer. Although my work spans many disciplines, classical violin remains the foundation of everything I do. I have also studied Persian violin for the past decade, and these diverse experiences continue to shape both my musicianship and my teaching. As a teacher, I believe classical training builds strong technique, discipline, and musical confidence while leaving room for curiosity and creativity. Whether students want to complete exams, perform, or simply play for enjoyment, my goal is to help them build solid foundations and discover their own musical voice.

My goal as a violin teacher is to help students develop a lifelong love of music while building confidence, discipline, and strong technical foundations. I create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and challenging themselves, while gradually becoming more independent and effective in their practice. Lessons are tailored to each student's goals and are primarily structured around the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) curriculum, with a focus on technique, music theory, ear training, sight reading, musicality, and performance. Whether a student is preparing for exams, auditions, or simply learning for enjoyment, I aim to make each lesson engaging, rewarding, and appropriately challenging. Because many students have limited opportunities to play with other musicians, I regularly incorporate violin duets into lessons. Playing together helps develop listening skills, rhythm, ensemble awareness, and confidence, while giving students the joy of making music with another person. Above all, I want students to leave each lesson feeling motivated, proud of their progress, and excited to continue exploring music.