In my 10+ years of teaching violin to hundreds of students, I've always believed in nurturing a love for playing the instrument and that the best practicing stems from passion and playfulness. Whether teaching a student one-on-one, coaching a band or conducting a youth orchestra, I approach all levels with a hybrid of traditional and modern methods (Suzuki, O’Connor, Zweig, Mary Cohen, Colledge, Alard, Kreutzer, Sevcik, etc.) and an emphasis on technical proficiency through improvisation and creativity. This has helped me connect with my students in personalized ways, allowing them to find their own voice through music and to deal with obstacles with confidence and joy.
I’m also passionate about helping music organizations reach their goals in education, outreach and development, as I’ve done by co-creating and overseeing satellite programs in Los Angeles, Chicago and Charleston, SC.
I have worked with many great teachers and artists over the years and I can say that Javier is truly one of the rare artists that you feel blessed everyday to have in your life.
As a teacher, Javier possesses a wonderful ability to understand the complexities of students whether in individual or group lessons. His teaching style is a balance of maintaining strong fundamental principles together with creative and explorative concepts that he encompasses in a very encouraging, dynamic and inspirational environment. His innovative style of teaching makes an exceptional impact on everyone involved, students, parents and teachers.
- Margaret Lysy, Founder and Director of SOL-LA Music Academy
Our daughter studied viola with Javier for over 4 years and during that time her musical skills (technique, performance, sight reading, musicality, etc.) increased exponentially. Javier is a truly gifted teacher and person. He is encouraging, inspiring, generous, and unflaggingly positive, yet he also is expert & exacting, with extremely high standards. We found him to be the perfect teacher!
- Ann & Chuck, Santa Monica, CA
Javier’s one of the most innovative, committed and imaginative teachers I’ve come across in any creative field. His work with our son, over the years from childhood to adolescence, was deep and wonderfully wide ranging - covering repertoire in jazz, bluegrass and classical. But it’s Javier's approach that will stay with us forever: he insisted on discipline and excellence, but never at the expense of delight and full engagement. The results were a dream - phenomenal technical development, a shared discovery and appreciation of beauty, and utterly joyful music making. Leap at the chance to study with this young master.
- Prof. Ted Braun, John Wells Division of Writing for Screen and Television, USC School of Cinematic Arts
