Olga Katkova-Trevino
Olga Katkova-Trevino, Violin
Preferred student age: Any
Preferred student level: Any
What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
I wish to encourage discipline, self-reliance, observation and analytical skills.
Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be
important to share with prospective students?
My teaching style is a mixture of many methods. I was brought up in Eastern Europe, in a very intense learning environment, but I received Russian and American school influenced instruction in my musical studies in college. I am also familiar with the Suzuki method. Overall, I adjust according to the age, level and individuality of the student. Reading music and the ability to self-assess are important and skills I try to encourage.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy the process of discovery the student and I are involved in together.
Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood:
I teach for The British School and Chicago Opera Theater as well. I am a concertmistress of Millennium Chamber Players (www.mcplayers.com). I freelance with many prestigious orchestras
and opera groups in the Chicagoland. I frequently perform chamber music and newly-written music.
Please describe one of your favorite music teachers or mentors.
I studied at a music school in Bulgaria and outside of classes, I spend approximately 4-6 hours per week with my violin teacher and my accompanist. They were like parents to me: completely giving and much involved in my learning of the instrument, music in general and many aspects of life.
Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite musical period?
I do not have one favorite composer. I like Puccini for opera, Strauss and Stravinsky for
symphonic music. I never miss the opportunity to hear a Brahms or Tchaikovsky Symphony. However, in general I favor late 19th century and early 20th century music for its complexity, while still employing tonal language.
Preferred student age: AnyPreferred student level: Any
What do you want to impart to your students through your teaching?
I wish to encourage discipline, self-reliance, observation and analytical skills.
Are there specific methods or techniques that you use in your teaching that may be
important to share with prospective students?
My teaching style is a mixture of many methods. I was brought up in Eastern Europe, in a very intense learning environment, but I received Russian and American school influenced instruction in my musical studies in college. I am also familiar with the Suzuki method. Overall, I adjust according to the age, level and individuality of the student. Reading music and the ability to self-assess are important and skills I try to encourage.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
I enjoy the process of discovery the student and I are involved in together.
Briefly describe your musical pursuits outside Sherwood:
I teach for The British School and Chicago Opera Theater as well. I am a concertmistress of Millennium Chamber Players (www.mcplayers.com). I freelance with many prestigious orchestras
and opera groups in the Chicagoland. I frequently perform chamber music and newly-written music.
Please describe one of your favorite music teachers or mentors.
I studied at a music school in Bulgaria and outside of classes, I spend approximately 4-6 hours per week with my violin teacher and my accompanist. They were like parents to me: completely giving and much involved in my learning of the instrument, music in general and many aspects of life.
Who is your favorite composer, or what is your favorite musical period?
I do not have one favorite composer. I like Puccini for opera, Strauss and Stravinsky for
symphonic music. I never miss the opportunity to hear a Brahms or Tchaikovsky Symphony. However, in general I favor late 19th century and early 20th century music for its complexity, while still employing tonal language.