About Harmony Strings Music Studio
Founded in 2013, we currently offer individual and group lessons for violin, as well as individual lessons for viola, piano and guitar. Our teachers are all trained in the Suzuki method of instruction, and all have many years of experience in teaching and performing. We accept students of all ages, beginning as young as age three. Students study once weekly with a studio teacher, and violin students attend weekly group classes as well. We are not however only a place for the very young to study. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and perform professionally in local symphonies, with former students who have gone on to receive music degrees of their own. A big advantage to attending lessons at a studio is the opportunity for many student performances throughout the year. We regularly offer opportunities for our students to hone their skills through performances at churches, nursing homes, festivals, etc. The 2015-2016 year promises opportunities to perform at such venues as local nursing homes, Rosa Parks Circle, and Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts.
Teacher Biographies
Founded in 2013, we currently offer individual and group lessons for violin, as well as individual lessons for viola, piano and guitar. Our teachers are all trained in the Suzuki method of instruction, and all have many years of experience in teaching and performing. We accept students of all ages, beginning as young as age three. Students study once weekly with a studio teacher, and violin students attend weekly group classes as well. We are not however only a place for the very young to study. Many of our teachers have advanced degrees and perform professionally in local symphonies, with former students who have gone on to receive music degrees of their own. A big advantage to attending lessons at a studio is the opportunity for many student performances throughout the year. We regularly offer opportunities for our students to hone their skills through performances at churches, nursing homes, festivals, etc. The 2015-2016 year promises opportunities to perform at such venues as local nursing homes, Rosa Parks Circle, and Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts.
Teacher Biographies
Ryan Pott, violin, piano
Mr. Ryan has extensive training in the Suzuki method of instruction for piano and violin. He is an active teacher and performer, as well as an arranger and composer.
Natalie Hockamier, violin
Violinist Natalie Hockamier began her studies at the age of ten. Since then she went on to study with many wonderful teachers from the Grand Rapids Symphony, including Dave Haaland, Diane McElfish, Chris Martin, and Christina Fong. Her most recent instructor was Malcolm Brannen, formerly of Grand Rapids Community College. Natalie was concertmaster of the orchestra and achieved awards and scholarships at the school of music there. While Natalie actually holds a botany degree from the University of Michigan, music teaching and performing has been her life for the past 15 years. She has played professionally with the West Michigan Symphony since 2002 as a core member. In addition, Natalie is first violinist and manager of the Heritage Hill String Quartet.
As a teacher, Natalie has over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. She currently has a studio composed of young beginners, middle and high school students, and adult students who balance careers and quality time with their instruments. Natalie has received Suzuki teacher training through Book 4. Her favorite aspects of the method are the emphasis on beautiful tone, posture, and intonation from the very beginning of study, which is accomplished through delayed reading. Review and improvement of previously memorized songs and the emphasis on character development through learning an instrument are other highlights of the Suzuki method.
As a teacher, Natalie has over 15 years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels. She currently has a studio composed of young beginners, middle and high school students, and adult students who balance careers and quality time with their instruments. Natalie has received Suzuki teacher training through Book 4. Her favorite aspects of the method are the emphasis on beautiful tone, posture, and intonation from the very beginning of study, which is accomplished through delayed reading. Review and improvement of previously memorized songs and the emphasis on character development through learning an instrument are other highlights of the Suzuki method.
If you'd like to hear some of our teachers perform, please visit www.heritagehillsq.com. Mr. Ryan and Miss Natalie are featured in sound clips and videos of their string quartet.