Teaching
Private Violin and Viola Lessons
I offer violin and viola lessons to students of all ages and levels at my studio in Bernal Heights, San Francisco. A certified Suzuki violin and viola instructor, I love working with beginners. Using a curriculum of folk songs, fiddle tunes, and baroque music for beginners to a more advanced classical repertoire for intermediate and advanced students, I give each student a solid foundation on the violin or viola.
My students are able to read music and play by ear and take the violin in whatever direction they choose later on. Using a combination of scales, exercises, rhythm games, and repertoire, I teach my students how to be comfortable and facile on their instruments and also well-rounded musicians. Each student is unique and I vary my teaching approach based on the individual student's learning style. I am passionate about inclusion and specialize in working with neurodivergent students, (autism, ADHD, PDA, selective mutism, and more)
I have been a faculty member at Presto PACO summer camp as well as a sectional coach at PACO and the San Francisco Youth Orchestra. Please contact me for more information.
Testimonials
“Clio has been warm, patient and attentive to our daughter throughout her violin instruction. Clio offered flexible strategies and compassionate encouragement when our daughter was building her stamina or learning new skills. She met our daughter where she is in terms of her abilities and pushed her to grow in just the right ways. Our daughter is working through a form of social anxiety and Clio’s understanding of how to work with and through these challenges made it possible for her to see the violin as another form of expression and build the courage to perform in a recital. We’re so grateful for Clio’s child-centered approach!”
“Clio taught violin to my daughter for two years. She was warm, supportive, professional, knowledgeable, and helpful. My daughter felt appropriately challenged. Clio rekindled her love for music and for playing. Thank you for being such a great teacher and having a positive influence on kids. ”
“Clio has been a wonderful guide for my daugher’s success on the violin. She’s been clear, compassionate, and encouraging. She has fostered a greater appreciation and enjoyment of learning the instrument. Also, Clio has been very responsive to the student’s needs and goals.”
“Clio is a great music teacher. Both my kids take violin lessons from her and really enjoy it. She’s patient and fun, while building confidence and discipline in a low-stress environment. I’m really wowed how far my eldest has come in two and half years (we started at 5 and he’s now 8 ).”
Early Childhood Music Classes
for neurodivergent children
My small group music classes are specifically designed for neurodivergent children ages 18 months to 5. I understand that mainstream music classes can be overwhelming for autistic children, which is why my approach is neurodiversity-affirming. This means we embrace and celebrate the unique ways in which neurodivergent children experience and interact with music.
Music has incredible benefits for the developing brain, and it can be especially therapeutic for neurodivergent children, helping to improve communication skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation. My classes provide a safe and supportive environment where children can explore music at their own pace, fostering a love of music while also supporting their overall development.
I love teaching music to preschool-age children. It is such a privilege and joy to get to witness children taking their first musical “steps” when they begin to sing and interact with music. I’m trained as a Music Together instructor and taught Pre-K music for 2 years at the Little Learning Center in San Francisco. As a Suzuki-method trained teacher, I have taught violin and viola privately for the past 13 years and specialize in working with neurodivergent students. As a mom of a neurodivergent son, I bring personal experience and a deep passion to my work, allowing me to connect with and support families in a unique way.