Karen Donato

Violin and Viola Lessons

I have been teaching privately since 1999.  Currently, I have a violin and viola studio at my home in Canton, MI, where I teach students ranging from age 4 through adult of all proficiency levels. Until December 2012, I also taught violin and viola at the Flint School of Performing Arts, where I founded and directed the Adult String Ensemble.  Other experience includes coaching youth orchestras, chamber groups, and orchestral soloists.

Lessons are tailored to the student's needs.  I combine traditional Suzuki methods and repertoire with traditional theory and rhythmic study, and also include fiddle tunes and contemporary music.  Students are encouraged to participate in the direction of their studies by suggesting music to work on and even writing their own music.  We have a studio recital once a year.

My students enjoy playing in many local ensembles: school orchestras in Plymouth-Canton, Wayne-Westland, and South Lyon; the Dearborn Youth Orchestra program, the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony Civic Ensembles. Graduates of my studio have gone on to play with various college-level ensembles, including the University of Michigan Life Sciences Orchestra and the University of Rochester Chamber Orchestra.