Candace Taylor
Instructor (Viola, Violin)
Why I Teach
As a toddler, I watched my mom teach piano in our living room almost every day. I attended her students' recitals, and came to enjoy the environment that exists because of the student-teacher relationship within a private lesson. When I finally taught a lesson myself at age 13, it became part of my dream.
I attended Suzuki training right out of high school, where I watched "the big guys" of the Suzuki community teach kids as young as two. My passion comes from these experiences, as well as my own. My own obstacles and difficulty with learning to play have given me insight to help other students. Because playing is such a beautiful thing, I believe it should never feel "hard" to do. As a teacher, I am patient, understanding, organized, encouraging, and very intuitive of each student's needs. I believe learning should be a flexible experience, with plenty of excitement and fun! I keep a close eye on each student's progress, focusing on the development of individual artistry by way of musicality and personal passion, all while cultivating functional technique and good habits, and fostering creativity. Giving my students the ability to play with confidence, pride and poise is always a priority.
Having music in our lives makes us more human, and that is why I teach.
Qualifications
I completed "Every Child Can" and Book 1 courses of Suzuki Teacher Training, and plan to receive certification through Book 6. Over the last seven years, I have taught many students, from toddlers to adults. I studied viola at Utah State University under Russell Fallstad, Brad Ottesen and members of the Fry Street Quartet and other string faculty, where I also participated in the Utah State University Suzuki Academy as a teacher.
I have also studied viola and violin at University of Nebraska - Lincoln under Clark Potter, Jonah Sirota and Chiara String Quartet members. My performance experience is extensive - more recently, my husband and I have started up a violin/guitar duo!
Fun Facts About Candace |
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Favorite Food: |
Ribs |
Favorite Color: |
Orange |
Likes: |
My pets! Also, going to concerts, decorating, cooking, jewelry-making, knitting, Jack Johnson, grocery shopping, "The Office", back rubs, Apple products |
Dislikes: |
Dirty socks, fluorescent lighting, being cold, grumpiness |
Disposition: |
Cheerful, passionate, determined |
Claim-to-Fame's: |
James Valentine (Maroon 5) used to babysit me |
