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Anyone can learn to play real songs right from the start and sound good while you're doing it!
Welcome!
Welcome to the private music studio of Rebecca Portillo!
I look forward to meeting you! My goal is to support students from beginner through advanced levels in all of their musical goals and tailor the learning experience to fit their needs, maximize their strengths, and provide an encouraging environment for learning. Lessons and classes are offered for violin, viola, cello, double bass, music theory, general music for homeschoolers, and exploratory music for preschoolers.
lesson availability
Lessons are available online from any part of the world, in-person at 1927 W. Ave. L in Lancaster, CA, or in-person in California City, CA. There are limited openings and there may be a waiting list for some class types, days, times, or locations. You can contact me for more information, book a lesson directly here, or check out upcoming group classes. Most group classes are $60/month and private lessons start at $140/month.
do I need to have a violin before i contact you?
No, students enrolled in classes or lessons can use classroom violins during class time, and assistance with finding your first (or second or third) instrument is one of the services included with any classes or lessons! If you are not sure what to look for in a beginner-level violin, it is worth getting some guidance. A working instrument makes a big difference, whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced. You can also read through these recommendations!
A different approach to learning to play the violin
practice smarter
Engage your whole brain
You'll learn why practice alone doesn't "make perfect" and how to make your practice time work to your advantage. You'll even be able to make progress if you only have 5 minutes to practice!
Engage your whole brain
Engage your whole brain
Playing orchestral stringed instruments like violin, viola, cello, or double bass engages your whole brain! It allows you to express creativity, make concrete connections to math, experience tangible achievements as you progress, and so much more.
Learn to "speak" the language
Learn to play your instrument first - starting with real songs - and then learn to read music once you are comfortable combining left and right hand skills in a few songs. This is just like the way we all learn our first language, and with this approach you start with real music, and then it's easier to connect it to what it looks like on paper.
start with a beautiful sound
You'll learn how to make a beautiful sound starting with the very first lesson, because I think this is the one of the best ways to stay motivated! If you enjoy listening to yourself, you'll practice more!
Music Exploration Classes
viola, cello, and double bass
Music exploration classes are also offered a few times a year for children and families who are hoping to discover music in a variety of ways! These classes include an introduction to the elements of music through notation, listening, movement, and playing introductory instruments like drums, xylophone, recorder, ukulele, and more!
viola, cello, and double bass
viola, cello, and double bass
Love the richer sounds of lower notes? Beginning classes and one-on-one lessons for the other instruments of the string family - viola, cello, and double bass - are also offered! If you have questions about which instrument might suit your preferences best, please get in touch!