Violin Teachers

Dr. Nikki Routman Ebisu

Dr. Nikki Routman Ebisu

Violin / Honolulu

“One of my primary objectives in teaching is to promote music as a vehicle for non-verbal and artistic expression. Every child is unique, so I adapt my teaching method and lesson plan to fit the personality, learning style and mood of each and every individual student. My teaching curriculum is centered around many of my own personal childhood learning experiences and hurdles that I had to overcome. It is my duty to act not only as their instructor, but also as their mentor, role model and inspiration.”

Katharine Hafner

Katharine Hafner

Violin, Viola / Honolulu

Playing an instrument is one of the hardest (and most rewarding) things anyone can learn to do - coordination of small and large muscles; thinking and doing; mechanical, emotional and mental processes; individual responsibility and teamwork - there is quite a lot to keep track of in the development of each student. Beginners learn to discern and differentiate and to follow directions. Developing students "learn how to learn". Advanced students learn to use their technical skills to project and share the emotion and meaningfulness of music, to connect with the audience as they explore their own feelings. Everyone can learn. I am energized and inspired by my wonderful students as they grow in ability and character.

Dr. Carlo Andrea Malanima

Violin, Viola, Theory and Solfege/ Honolulu

“I have extensive experience teaching students from age 4 to professional adults, with a focus on sound quality and proper technique. I use an individualized and creative approach that nurtures each student's inner musician to develop them into the best violinist they can be. I use fun and caring teaching methods that instill in all students a love of music and an appreciation of their special connection to it.”

Rachel Saul Schifino

Rachel Saul Schifino

Violin / Honolulu

“Prioritizing a curriculum that is unique to each student, I carefully observe each student's ability to determine the course of study. My teaching philosophy, influenced by my "Grandfather" teacher Ivan Galamian, emphasizes an equal pyramid of technique and musicality. Developing both equally, with technique’s sole purpose to express innate musicality, is essential to achieve the end goal to create artful music.”

Sheryl Shohet

Sheryl Shohet

Violin, Viola / Central-West O‘ahu (Waipio Gentry)

“In addition to playing the violin beautifully and loving music, students in my violin studio learn valuable life lessons. My studio is a close-knit community of students and families who interact with me, with each other, with other music organizations, and with various populations we serve while sharing our music. ”