Jessica Sheets
About
Hi! I’m Jes Sheets, a viola player and music therapy major at the University of Iowa.
I’ve been playing for over eight years and currently study viola at the collegiate level. I’m passionate about making music fun, accessible, and confidence-building for students of all ages.
Teaching Style
My teaching style is warm, supportive, and student centered. I work to create a comfortable, encouraging environment where students feel safe to explore, make mistakes, and grow at their own pace. I break concepts down into clear, manageable steps and use language that is easy for beginners to understand. I myself have a hard time grasping concepts, so I am well versed in many different ways to learn. Because of my background in music therapy studies, I place a strong emphasis on emotional comfort, confidence building, and positive motivation.
Curriculum
My teaching method is grounded in building strong fundamentals while keeping lessons engaging and tailored to each student’s needs. I focus on posture, tone production, rhythmic accuracy, and musicality through clear, step-by-step instruction. Lessons include a mix of technique work, and repertoire. I aim to create a positive learning environment where students feel confident, supported, and motivated to grow.
For most students, I recommend the following materials:
Beginning Violists:
- Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 (or Book 2 depending on level)
Intermediate Violists:
- Suzuki Viola/Violin Method, Books 1–3
Credentials & Affiliations
- Current Student: University of Iowa, Music Therapy Major
- Instrument: Viola (8+ years experience)
- Teaching Experience: Private viola instruction for beginners and intermediate students; experience teaching children of all ages
- Professional Affiliations & Experience:
- Instructor, WISTA Summer Orchestra Camp – taught group and individual lessons for young musicians
- Youth coach, YMCA – led music- and arts-related activities, emphasizing engagement, confidence-building, and skill development