Violin Lessons

Melissa Hayes

Violin and Viola Instructor

My studio, South City Strings, is located on Hampton Ave south of Chippewa in St. Louis city. Please contact me at southcitystrings@gmail.com for more information about scheduling.

See reviews from current and former students on my Front of the Beat Page.

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TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & METHODS:

I have varied musical interests and experiences and am happy to tailor your instruction to include your musical tastes in our basic studies. In addition to classical, I have studied and performed fiddling, folk, blues, rock, and mariachi.

Technique is the foundation of my teaching of any style of music. I use traditional, classical methods and literature with elements of the Suzuki method. (Please note: although I use Suzuki literature and some aspects of the the method, I am not a certified Suzuki teacher.) All students will have technical studies regardless of their musical style preferences.

Learning an instrument takes time and dedication. Please consider whether or not you are willing to commit to daily practice before signing up for lessons.

My students have ranged in age from four to 86! I welcome students of all ages and abilities. I have been teaching private lessons since 1999.

EDUCATION:

Master of Music in Violin Pedagogy, Missouri State University

Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, Missouri State University

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

Adjunct faculty, Community Music School of Webster University(2005-present)

Violin and Viola Instructor, South City Strings(beginning 2015)

Violin and Viola Instructor, First String Violin Academy(2005-2015)

Chamber music coach, Missouri State University Summer String Fling (2002-2006)

Elementary strings, Rockwood School District (2006)

Beginning Orchestra, Springfield(MO) Public Schools(2003)

Private Violin Studio, Springfield (1999-2005)

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE:

Much of my performance experience and formal training are in the classical realm, but I have also performed with local rock and country bands, including the Rough Ryders and John Henry. In 2013, I toured with Denial 3, a tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I am a founding member of the Dragon Duo. We perform a wide variety of musical styles for weddings and other special events.

I have also performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic, the Alton Symphony, the Gateway Festival Orchestra, the Springfield(MO) Symphony Orchestra, the Springfield Regional Opera Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of the Ozarks, the Fort Smith Symphony, the Missouri State University Symphony where I served as concertmaster 2002-2003, Mannheim Steamroller, the Trans Siberian Orchestra, and Paragon Ragtime Orchestra.