Have you been grinding your gears for a while, practicing etudes, scales, putting in plenty of time and repetition but feel like playing should be easier and sound more beautiful? It likely can be. If there are technical or musical problems underlying, then repetition only gets us so far and etudes only ingrain these problems. You can practice 40 hours a day, and things won’t get any better until we solve these problems.
Sometimes the solutions are not difficult to implement, but diagnosing the problems can be elusive and the steps to go about solving them might not be obvious. That’s where I can help, having helped dozens violinists/violists for nearly 30 years internationally, including professionals, advanced amateurs, and young children.
Are you a a professional who wants to further your abilities on your instrument, gain more perspective, and gather more teaching ideas? Or a dedicated violinist or violist looking for someone who can help you revamp your technique and musical thinking so that you can play with even more beauty that you already do? Or maybe you’re a parent of child who loves or has an interest in music and want the best foundation for him/her that will enable any talents to bloom to their full potential?
I’m Dr. Sophia Lim Arriaga, and I love to create art, express through music and enable others to do the same. I perform and teach the violin and viola internationally, online, and in Northern, VA to dedicated students and professionals. As a petite violinist with a disproportionately short pinky, a disadvantage in violin/viola playing, I have had to deepen my understanding of technique and music in order to optimize my movements to be able to play the instrument the highest levels and with the best in the world. Though I had to research and struggle with problems caused by my stature, it gave me the gift of being able to really help others and an urgent sense of duty to pass on everything I have learned.
Ready to schedule a 15 minute free phone consultation?
VIP Violin/Viola Program
Currently in undergoing it’s 4th cohort, this features a wonderful community of violinists/violists from all over the world and masterclasses with the best clinicians in their field. Solving technical or musical problems is what I space out thinking about all day and what I do best. If you’re a passionate adult musician – professional or dedicated amateur – and you’d like to know if you’d be a great fit for the next round, feel free to either send me a message or book a time to chat.
Lessons for Children and Young Adults
I find it gratifying watching the younger generations grow and develop their minds and senses. I take this responsibility seriously, and like to set my students up to be able to play unhindered by their technique and free to make any music they desire. If you have a child who loves music and you’d love a musical education for him/her, feel free either send me a message or book a time to chat.
Back to Basics Violin/Viola Bow Workshop
If you are looking to solidify your bow arm for a stunning sound and effortless technique, I’ll soon be launching another round of my Back to Basics: Bow Workshop.
Many violinists, professionals as well as highly dedicated amateurs all over the world have found greater ease, more resonance, and confidence in their playing through this program, which utilizes a library of videos and a lot of personal feedback in group and private lessons. Please note that I don’t offer the videos without personally monitoring each student and giving ample feedback.
I believe that it is possible to transform bowing in a matter of weeks (and to continue to do so for years with the information and tools provided in this course– we never stop improving) in a course that combines one-on-one mentorship, the benefits of technology, and provides community support. Visit this link to learn more!
Looking to learn some secrets of violin playing? Sign up for my 7 common practice mistakes to get started!