ROWELL JAO
I hold a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and two Master of Music degrees in Violin Performance and Violin Pedagogy from Shenandoah University Conservatory, alongside full Suzuki registration in Books 1–10 and enrichment courses. With over 20 years of teaching experience, my extensive career as a teacher, solo, chamber, and orchestral performer directly informs my current pedagogy as adjunct faculty of violin and viola at Frederick Community College.
My Teaching Philosophy & Approach
My teaching philosophy is built on a foundational Suzuki belief: Every student has the potential to achieve musical excellence. Ability is not innate, it is nurtured through patience, high-quality instruction, and deliberate practice. Whether I am introducing a five-year-old to their very first open string or guiding an advanced player through a complex concerto, my core approach remains the same: meet the student exactly where they are and build them up from there.
I believe in cultivating “micro-wins” in every lesson to build genuine confidence, and I actively personalize my curriculum rather than using a one-size-fits-all template. Ultimately, my goal is to teach my students how to become their own best teachers, equipping them with the discipline, resilience, and lifelong love for the arts that will serve them far beyond the studio.
What to Expect in a Lesson
Every lesson is a dynamic blend of high-level technical training, Suzuki-inspired nurturing, and genuine musical joy. We maximize our time together using a clear, highly effective routine that covers a physical warm-up, a review of previous material for refinement, a “deep dive” into new concepts, and a clear guide for home practice. My teaching style is relaxed, encouraging, and deeply patient. We balance rigorous technical work, like beautiful intonation and bow control, with creative imagery, games, and emotional expression. Progress is tracked transparently through customized assignment guides, Suzuki milestone celebrations, and long-term goal mapping.
Styles, Skills, and Techniques Taught
- Genres: Classical Foundations (from early Suzuki to advanced collegiate literature), Orchestral & Chamber Music, Fiddle & Traditional Styles (Celtic, Bluegrass, Old-Time), and Contemporary/Pop Crossover.
- Essential Skills: Traditional Note-Reading and Sight-Reading, Music Theory, Ear Training, and Relative Pitch.
- Advanced Techniques: Posture optimization, shifting, vibrato, and advanced bow artistry (spiccato, sautillé, etc.).
Goals I Help My Students Achieve
- Auditions & Competitions: College and conservatory audition preparation, Youth Orchestra, All-County and All-State placements, and Solo & Ensemble Festivals.
- Performance & School Leadership: Studio recitals, school orchestra leadership roles (Concertmaster/Principal positions), Chamber Ensembles, and Suzuki Book graduation performances.
- Personal Growth: Playing for fun, stress relief, and building a personalized repertoire of favorite music, all while developing lifelong critical thinking and self-discipline.
