Kristina Dutton

Kristina Dutton, Violin

Preferred student age: any

Preferred student level: any

What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
I want to impart a love of music that will last a lifetime.

Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be important to share with prospective students?
I'm a big believer in the nurturing and ear training  aspects of the Suzuki method, but after some time I also supplement with "traditional method" theory books, scales and technique books.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The relationship between each individual student and myself, watching that student develop musically and personally.

Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood.
I have played with many local and regional orchestras and chamber orchestras. I have also toured and recorded with many pop groups, including my own. I have done a wide variety of freelance work with my string quartet.

What is your earliest musical experience or memory?
From the time I was a teeny, tiny toddler, l loved to lay under my dad's grand piano and listen to him practice for hours and hours.

Please describe one of your favorite teachers or mentors.
I have had many wonderful teachers. My favorites always expected a lot from me, but they also knew how to keep things on the lighter side, since good students also generally put such pressure on themselves. My favorite teachers were always able to inspire me to work harder and also to hear greater or deeper beauty and nuance in the music.

Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite musical period?
I don't have a favorite composer or musical period, but I am partial to twentieth century composers such as Debussy and Ravel, or also such composers as Bartok and Schoenberg. But I really love so many! Even many who not write for violin!