Violin Lessons
“A wonderful violinist and fantastic teacher. To find a reliable, dependable and personable colleague like Maia is a great gift. Her manner with students of all ages is always perfect.”
“Maia is a delight to work with. She has the charisma, patience, and diligence to work with little ones and bring out the best in them. We were searching for a violin teacher for a couple of years and were thrilled to meet Maia. She has become a part of our family and is the perfect violin teacher for our 6 year old. Maia is an amazingly talented teacher and is very patient with kids. Maia makes learning fun - starting with perfect form, technique and building upon lessons without making it seem complicated. Our daughter looks forward to her lessons with Maia and her weekly practice routines. Maia focuses on building on the basics while continuing to practice the perfect form and most importantly a positive attitude and being happy while learning the violin. She is more than just a violin teacher — she has been a great inspiration to our daughter. Our daughter is committed to her violin learning and follows every instruction to the tee.
We can’t say enough in words how grateful we are to Maia and we can’t wait for all beautiful things to unfold on our daughter’s violin journey with Maia.”
Basics
Ages 4 - adult, from beginner-advanced
Lessons are at my studio or on FaceTime/Zoom
Not in Baltimore? I’m happy to teach from anywhere in the world using Zoom or Facetime!
Suzuki-based with supplementary pieces and exercises
Available for supplemental practice help upon request
Teaching Philosophy
Music brightens the lives of everyone, whether they are the student, teacher, or listener. My students learn the violin to better themselves as well as have a creative outlet. Having the ability to create and hone a skill is a powerful tool. The benefits of music lessons expand to far outside the creative realm. Learning the violin broadens the child’s mind and enhances learning outside of music.
I emphasize and value proper technique from Day 1. The violin is a technical challenge that must be taught properly from the start. Every student is evaluated differently as every student is different and brings new challenges to the table. Emphasis is given on both right hand (bow arm, bow hold etc.) and left hand (intonation, finger placement, and anti-tension), along with using the core and back muscles to support the body. These elements are crucial to giving your child the right start with the violin, and allow them to learn without frustration.
I strive to be a guiding role model for your child in music and in life. My own violin teachers have been mentors, idols, friends, and confidants. I strive to be available to you and your child for any and all questions 24/7. I do not want my students to wait until a whole week for the next lesson to ask a question!
Parental support and regular practice is a must. While I do expect every student to practice daily with predetermined goals given by me, the goal of music is not to be perfect but rather to learn to work hard and try your best no matter what.
Credentials
10 years of teaching experience, 19 years of performing experience
Masters of Music degree (2023) from Peabody Conservatory of Music at Johns Hopkins University; performance with Qing Li (Baltimore Symphony) and pedagogy with Rebecca Henry (Peabody Preparatory director)
Bachelors of Music degree (2021) from the Manhattan School of Music, student of Peter Winograd (American String Quartet)
Pedagogical violin studies with violin pedagogue Elizabeth Faidley (Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division faculty)
Faculty at the Peabody Preparatory, Elizabeth Faidley Studio, the Bryn Mawr School & BridgeMusik
Suzuki Certified teacher / SAA Registered teacher
“My three children, whose ages span a decade from ages seven to seventeen, have been fortunate to study violin with Maia Schmidt for the last four years. Maia, who is a gifted violinist in her own right, is a natural-born pedagogue. She connects with each of my children differently and knows how to motivate, inspire, and, amazingly, spark joy at every lesson for each of them.
Teaching my children violin, with their extraordinarily different levels, temperaments, and wide range of ages, is not any easy task, but it is one that Maia has taken on expertly. She knows each of them almost better than I and truly cares about how she architects their individual learning experiences. I feel fortunate to have observed the transformation my children have had under her guidance. Without a doubt, when my children become adults and leave her studio, Maia will be one of the few teachers in their lives who they will always remember.”