Ms. Sophie

Ms. Sophie is a music therapist, music teacher, and violinist originally from Oregon. She holds a bachelor’s of arts in general music at the University of Oregon, where she studied the violin under Professor Fritz Gearhart, and she holds a master’s degree in music therapy from Arizona State University.

Sophie has been at the Scottsdale Studio of Music since 2018, offering lessons in violin, guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice. She specializes in teaching various levels of violin (from beginner to advanced) to students of all ages and sharing the magic of the piano with younger beginners (ages 4-6). Sophie starts beginner violin students with the Essential Elements method to solidify music reading skills and bow technique before introducing the Suzuki books for building repertoire and introducing new techniques and music styles. She also enjoys arranging popular music and music from movies and tv shows for all instruments.

With guitar being her second most proficient instrument, Sophie offers guitar lessons from beginners to intermediate level for students of all ages. She teaches various styles of playing including fingerpicking, chords and strumming styles, and note-playing/music reading; she aims to adapt lesson materials to the student’s personal goals and musical interests while maintaining a relaxed and playful approach to learning and playing the guitar. For the ukulele, Sophie offers guidance on this instrument with a focus on music reading (staff and tab), chords and strumming patterns, intermediate level techniques, and applying aforementioned skills in the student’s musical interests and preferences.

For piano, Sophie teaches mainly from beginner to early/middle intermediate level, and adapts teaching materials based on the student’s age and previous experiences. Common method books used include the Faber Piano Adventure Series (ages 4 - 10) and the Alfred Basic Piano Course series (ages 11+). In lessons, Sophie places focus on independent music reading and sightreading, practicing methods and habits, and the technique and finger mechanics behind piano playing.