Rebecca McKee
About
Hello! My name is Rebecca McKee and I teach violin and viola.
Teaching has always been my passion and I have 40+ years of experience.
I am a registered Suzuki violin/viola instructor in Tucson, Arizona. My other teaching experience includes Music Together, Music First, Lead Guitar, viola/chamber music teacher at the Rocky Ridge Music Center’s Junior Artist Immersion camp, and Music Integration Specialist/ Orchestra director for the Tucson Unified School District.
I recently retired from a 34 year career in the Tucson Symphony Orchestra’s viola section, but I am still an active performer with True Concord Voices & Orchestra( a two-time GRAMMY-nominated ensemble), Tucson Repertory Orchestra and The Tucson Pops Orchestra. I also regularly coach students in local youth orchestras and chamber ensembles throughout the Tucson area.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in viola performance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a master’s degree in viola performance from the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and a k-12 teaching certificate from the state of Arizona.
Teaching Style
As mentioned earlier, I am a registered Suzuki teacher. This means that I have taken many intensive classes on how to teach this method. If you would like to know more about Dr. Suzuki and his method please visit the Suzuki Association of The Americas website.
Dr. Suzuki’s primary goal was never to just teach young people how to play a musical instrument. He championed the unique contribution music can make in the whole learning process. My goal is to help students of all ages find the joy that comes through making music. The Suzuki method uses the mother-tongue approach (applying the basic principles of language acquisition) to the learning of music. Through this approach, students develop self-confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, concentration, and the determination to try difficult things. In an environment of loving support fostered by the Suzuki method, students develop a lasting enjoyment of music.
Curriculum
Teaching ages 5 -95-Beginners of all ages to advanced. I use the Suzuki Method Books, Recordings and supplemental materials that support and expand techniques learned in the books, and that also support diverse learning styles. This includes popular tunes, fiddle tunes, note reading, scales, etudes, chamber music and standard classical repertoire.
Students aged 5-11 need to have a violin/viola that is the perfect size for them- please don’t buy an instrument until we’ve had a trial lesson and determine what size is needed. It’s preferable to rent for the first few years, that way students can exchange instruments as they grow and you can also get insurance on the instrument. Many stores also offer renter’s credit (A percentage of rental fees applied toward eventual purchase). I can supply you with a list of music stores where you can rent/buy an instrument.
Younger students also need parental support at the lessons. Parents are the home teachers during practice time and need to understand the lesson. The "Suzuki Triangle" refers to the emphasis on the interconnected roles of the student, the teacher, and the parent in the learning process. It's conceptualized as an equilateral triangle, where each point (student, teacher, parent) is equally important for successful musical development.
Please sign up for a free 30 minute trial lesson. If you’re a beginner - no instrument is needed for this trial lesson!
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelor of Music Viola Performance -University of Missouri-St. Louis
Master of Music Viola Performance -The Pennsylvania State University
Music K-12 Arizona Teaching Certificate
Suzuki Association of The Americas -registered violin/viola teacher
ASTA (American String Teacher's Association)
Music Together
AFM (American Federation of Musicians local 33)