Violin Lessons with Chitra

Chitra is an accomplished violinist and violin instructor with over a decade of experience. Classically trained in the Suzuki Method, she holds degrees in Classical Violin Performance and Advertising from Chapman University. Chitra's teaching approach emphasizes ear training, pattern recognition, and music theory integration, tailoring lessons to each student's learning style. With a background in jazz improvisation, songwriting, and music production, she brings a well-rounded perspective to her instruction. Chitra has experience teaching both in-person and online, working with beginners and intermediate students. Her goal is to inspire a deep appreciation for music while building a strong technical foundation.

Locations Available
In Chitra's studio in West Hollywood
In Student's homes in Surrounding Area
This instructor is fully booked.
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Chitra
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Meet the Instructor

What do you teach?

Classical Violin/Viola - Founded on diatonic scale patterns, arpeggios, and etudes to help focus the teaching and learning of different classical violin repertoire. Taught from an ear training and pattern-matching perspective, we will cover repertoire spanning Renaissance Music (1400s) to the Modern Music time period (1950s). Intensive focus on Bach in accordance with a secondary piece for the student to toggle between.
Jazz Violin/Viola - Founded on diatonic and modal scale patterns, arpeggios, and etudes to grasp a strong understanding of the modes and their relationships to both jazz standards and jazz-classical repertoire. Intensive focus on studying jazz solos (Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins etc.) in relation to learning how to improvise and understand chord changes within the options on a violin. Will still use classical pieces and composers to serve as the technical parameter, but the execution of learning and work will be through pieces (for example in French Jazz literature - 1930s onward).
Music Production (Logic Pro X focused) - Starting point to be assessed by the student's prior knowledge, main instrument, and the student’s goals with production and through what ‘genres’ they are finding inspiration from. Founded on a comprehensive understanding of EQ and Compression and Routing Signals. From there, exploring basic effects such as Reverb and Echoes and based on the equipment the student has, we will explore everything from setting up a mic to ensuring the signal doesn't distort to getting a clean vocal or instrument take. From here we will also learn to use Midi with and without a keyboard, how to route drum samples and find instrument sounds that are unique to the student. I will format this through weekly deliverables of audio, (song, snippet, etc) based on the lesson. My lessons will be a hybrid format of understanding production online and explaining how that would relate to being in a studio with an SSL Console.
Music Theory - Focusing on chord progressions both in classical and jazz music and their relationships to modern day genres such as but not limited to: pop, rnb, hip-hop, reggae, soul, etc. Will be exploring voice-leading from modal Gregorian chant music to Modern Day. Lessons will be formulated around the student's goals, professional interests, and catered to the instrument they play. Songwriting - Designed for aspiring songwriters of all levels, these lessons take you through the entire songwriting process, from idea generation to finished piece.S Students will explore key elements such as melody, harmony, lyric writing, and song structure. Through hands-on exercises and personalized feedback, students will develop their unique voice and style. Whether students are looking to write catchy pop hits, heartfelt ballads, or experimental pieces, this course provides the tools and techniques to turn their musical ideas into polished compositions.

What makes you want to share your skills and knowledge?

As a musician who plays both violin and viola, writes songs, and teaches music theory, my drive to share my skills and knowledge is deeply rooted in my multifaceted love for music. Each aspect of my musical journey has offered unique insights and joys that I’m eager to pass on. The violin and viola have been my companions, shaping my understanding of melody and harmony in profound ways. Songwriting has taught me to craft stories and emotions through music, while teaching music theory allows me to break down and share the underlying structures that make it all work. I aim to help students not only master their instruments but also understand the theory behind the music they play and create. Witnessing their growth, whether it’s seeing them tackle a challenging piece or find their own voice as songwriters, is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to inspire students to explore all facets of music—whether they’re drawn to classical techniques, original compositions, or the theoretical foundations that tie it all together. Sharing my diverse musical background helps me guide students in discovering their own paths and deepening their appreciation for the art form.

What is your experience in your craft and how are you evolving?

I began my journey with the violin at just 5 years old, and over the years, it has become an integral part of who I am. My early experiences with the instrument laid a strong foundation in technique and musical expression and continues to affect the emotional landscape I paint with my current music. In the past 4 years, I’ve expanded my craft into songwriting and production which has allowed me to blend my classical training with contemporary styles, creating music that feels both personal and innovative. My exploration into producing over the last 2 years has further broadened my skill set, enabling me to bring my songs to life with a full, professional sound. As an independent artist, I’ve embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with managing my own music releases. Navigating the landscape of social media and digital platforms has taught me to connect with my audience more effectively and to adapt to the ever-evolving music industry. This journey has been a continuous learning experience, pushing me to refine my craft and stay current with trends while remaining true to my artistic vision. Evolving in my craft means constantly experimenting and adapting. I’m always looking for new ways to innovate and push boundaries, whether through integrating different genres, experimenting with production techniques, or engaging with my audience in new ways. Each aspect of my experience—violin performance, songwriting, and production—feeds into the other, creating a dynamic and ever-evolving creative process.

What’s your style of teaching?

My style of teaching centers around celebrating each student’s unique authenticity and fostering an environment where their individuality can flourish. I believe that every student brings their own perspectives and experiences to their music, and my role is to help them explore and express these personal elements in their learning journey. To help students celebrate their uniqueness, I start by getting to know their interests, influences, and goals. I encourage them to incorporate their personal tastes and experiences into their music, whether through choosing pieces that resonate with them or experimenting with their own compositions. I strive to create a supportive and open space where students feel comfortable taking creative risks and expressing their true selves. Taking an intuitive approach to teaching means being flexible and responsive to each student’s needs and progress. I adapt my methods based on their learning styles, interests, and any challenges they may face. This approach allows me to offer tailored guidance and support that aligns with their individual learning pace and preferences. Creating a feel-good experience for my students involves building a positive, encouraging atmosphere where they feel valued and motivated. I focus on celebrating their successes, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback that helps them grow without discouragement. My goal is for each lesson to be an uplifting and enjoyable experience that inspires a love for music and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, seeing my students’ growth and enthusiasm fuels my passion and drives me to continuously evolve as a teacher and artist.

What keeps you creatively inspired?

What keeps me creatively inspired is exploring new genres, experimenting with different techniques, and honing my craft as both a musical artist and creative director. I find that having a healthy balance of life outside of music and how rigorous it can become is essential for continued success; reading books, watching films, and having discussions with friends fuels my passion and curiosity for learning. Outside of music, I find journaling to be an outlet of mass creative inspiration. This ongoing process helps me track my creative evolution and revisit concepts that may not have fit into a project initially but could become relevant later. All in all, I draw connections between all of my different roles. For example, the discipline and emotion of violin performance can influence my approach to graphic design, while visual elements can inform the way I structure a musical composition. Balancing these elements helps me stay creatively inspired and maintain a dynamic and fulfilling practice across all my roles.

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