Etelka Nyilasi
About
I'm violin, viola, piano and music theory teacher based in Edmonton, AB (Canada) and I use a variety of European and North American methodologies and resources in my teaching style. I have a strong background in Kodaly pedagogy and am trained in the Colourstrings method. I have over 20 years teaching experience, and I also am a regular performer on the violin and viola in symphonies, operas, chamber groups and Middle Eastern music ensembles. In my younger years I also performed a lot of Celtic (Cape Breton style) music, so I am always excited to work with students on fiddle tunes as well. I currently have a hybrid studio of in-person and online students.
Teaching Style
Playing an instrument involves intricate physical activity, therefore I believe in developing proper technique from the very start so that frustrating habits do not slow the student down later on. No matter at what age the student begins, I try to help them develop the correct technique in a friendly manner, using creativity and imagery as much as possible. I enjoy teaching students of all ages, and including adult beginners and adolescents.
Music is about self-expression, and as we live in a fast-paced and chaotic world, this form of art can help remove ourselves from it all if at least temporarily. Therefore my goal is to help students achieve their goals, through motivating and properly training them with respect to their individuality and individual needs.
Curriculum
With young children (ages 4-6), using the Colourstrings method, lessons are child-centred by using their voices (speaking and singing), and their bodies playfully through games and other activities in order to understand the music that they will play on their instrument. As the child grows, I try and continue using age-appropriate activities (singing and clapping still comes in very handy!) in order to develop their musicianship skills.
I use a more conventional teaching style based on the student's needs with older beginners aged 7+, including music theory. Books I generally use are the Fiddle Time series books by Kathy and David Blackwell with children, RCM materials, All For Strings or Strictly Strings with older beginners and adults (Although I'm quite flexible when it comes to method books with adults!).
For music theory, I use the Ultimate Music Theory series by Glory St Germain.
I will happily prepare students for exams if the interest is there. My students regularly achieve 80% or higher in RCM, ABRSM or Trinity exams.
Credentials & Affiliations
Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada: Bachelor of Music (Composition)
Birmingham Conservatoire, UK: Master of Music (Composition)
Kodaly Institute of the Franz Liszt Academy, Hungary: Diploma in Kodaly Pedagogy
University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies, UK: Master of Music (Performance).
Teacher training: Colourstrings Violin Level 1, 2A, Colour Keys Piano.
Member of ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association), APTA (Alberta Piano Teacher's Association), AKA (Alberta Kodaly Association) and I am an RCM registered teacher.
Member of Teach Music Online.