About My Studio
Welcome to my violin studio! I have been teaching private violin, viola and fiddle lessons in Honolulu for over 20 years. I have a Master of Music Degree in Violin Performance from Yale School of Music and am a certified Suzuki Teacher as well as a Music For Young Children Teacher. I combine my training as a professional violinist (I am a member of the Hawaii Symphony) and my Suzuki training with a more traditional approach, tailoring my teaching method to each individual student regardless of age or level.
I have learned that each child learns very differently so I teach each child in a way that fits their own unique learning style and personality. Whether we are working on intonation, tone, phrasing, technique or note reading I love using my training and creativity to find new ways to teach each of my students. Learning to play an instrument does take practice and the commitment of the parents is important. If the child is young, I ask that one of their parents sit in the lesson. I will show you as we go along how to practice with your son or daughter at home, since young children are not yet capable of practicing effectively on their own. My students play in all levels of Hawaii Youth Symphony and have been concertmaster of the highest level (YSI) as well as HMTA competition winners. Some have gone on to study at mainland conservatories.
My Background
My Bachelor of Music degree is from Hartt School of Music, where I received a full-tuition scholarship and graduated with honors. My Master of Music degree, also in Violin Performance is from Yale University (Yale School of Music) where I studied with renowned teachers Paul Kantor and Ida Kavafian. While completing my studies I won a scholarship to attend the Tanglewood Institute Fellowship Program and was a principal violinist of the National Repertory Orchestra.
My professional career began when I successfully auditioned for a position in the Filarmonica de Caracas when I was just 20 years old. I went on to win positions in New Haven Symphony, Hartford Symphony and Orchestra of New England before accepting a position in the Honolulu Symphony (now Hawaii Symphony) in 1990. I was granted tenure in 1992.
From the moment I arrived in Honolulu I began teaching violin lessons and what started as a side line to my symphony position quickly became a passion for teaching. After completing Suzuki Teacher Training and opening my own teaching studio I also taught summer Beginning and Intermediate String Orchestra and Chamber Music at Iolani School. I have also taught Music for Young Children classes from my home.
Along with teaching and performing in the symphony I also compose music for violin. My album Rainbow Road was a finalist for Hawaii’s Na Hoku Award for Best Instrumental Album in 2016 and was also nominated for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album and Best New Artist in the ZMR Awards for Radio. You can find out more about my music at nancyshoopwu.com
Private Lessons
Lessons are weekly and are usually a half-hour in length for beginners. Intermediate and advanced students will usually take a 45-minute or one-hour lesson once a week. Sometimes the parents are as interested in learning to play the violin as their kids and will share a 45-minute lesson with their child.
Before we start lessons, I like to meet with a prospective student and at least one of their parents. At this time we can to go into more detail about my teaching method, policies and answer any questions you may have. This helps everyone feel more relaxed and comfortable when we start the 1st lesson.
Studio Location
500 University Avenue
Honolulu, HI
(Corner of Kapiolani and University Avenues, 1 block from Iolani School)
Tuition Cost
$39/half-hour
$59/45-minutes
$78/one-hour
Procuring an Instrument
CK Violins, and Music Center of Hawaii have instuments you can rent or buy. I usually recommend starting out renting a violin or viola if a student has never played before. At most local music stores, the money you put into a rental will go towards the purchase of an instrument should you decide to buy one later on. Check with the music store to find out their current policy. If you already have an instrument but it needs some repairs or maintenance, my husband Hung Wu does violin repair and bow rehair for the professional players in the Honolulu Symphony. He does repairs on student instruments as well.