Hey, I’m Darian.
I teach the viola and violin, conduct a number of student youth orchestras, and offer clinics to school orchestras in Oregon and Washington.
Tenets & Core Concepts
The Suzuki Approach or Talent Education Method focuses on: an early start at a young age; a nurturing positive learning environment; development of a natural focused ringing tone; learning to play the instrument before learning to read music; socialization and learning with peers in group classes; a common repertoire of pieces; involving families in lessons and home practice for student learning; and the idea that through music we build character, empathy, and kind hearts for our community.
The purpose of learning music is not to become a professional musician (though, for some, that’s important too!), but instead, our goal is to support young people in their development as life-long learners with kind hearts!
The Suzuki Approach
Studio Mission & Outcomes
Provide students with the tools and skills necessary for an evolving and changing musical world; Instill practices that create independent musicians; Foster a love of life-long musicianship and sharing; Build a community of musicians who support their colleagues and respect their audiences.
Students of Darian Todd have performed in Regional Honors Orchestras, All State Orchestras, won seats in local symphony orchestras, served as principals of viola and violin sections in such orchestras, received scholarships for musical artistry at universities, and continued to pursue efforts of musical outreach in the community with joy, gratitude, and connection.
Impact & Outreach.
Oregon Suzuki
Association
The Oregon Suzuki Association works to foster connections between Suzuki teachers and their students throughout the state of Oregon.
Partnerships & Projects
Metropolitan
Youth Symphony
The Metropolitan Youth Symphony offers a variety of ensemble experiences to students across a range of abilities throughout Portland and Hillsboro.
Transcriptions &
Practice Resources
Many teaching resources, exercises, and etudes from the violin cannon, transcribed for viola, with practice recommendations and explanations.
What Students and Parents are Saying
"Not only have you taught me how to be a better musician, you’ve shown me how to be a better person in my community and to trust in myself with more confidence. Thank you for teaching!"
Jozlin E., Student
"Darian is a competent, consistent, and effective educator. He is versatile, adapting to each student's learning style. Darian has also imparted to our sons his love for music along with a respectful, professional, cooperative, and collaborative attitude."
Clio R., Parent
FAQ
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When the orchestra teacher of your child's string program recommends private lessons, you may find yourself thinking, "why does my child need them?"
Here are just a few of the many reasons private lesson will help your child succeed in music:
Learn how to practice outside of teacher contact
Foster independence in your musical learning and performing
Build confidence in your personal artistry and ability
Non-parental adult support and encouragement
Overcoming obstacles independently (with personal, one-on-one, gentle guidance)
Improved time management skills
Problem solving strategies
Non-judgmental approach to self-assessment
Application of self-discipline
Overcoming harmful habits
Encouragement of curiosity
Stimulation of creativity
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All lessons will be 45 minutes in length.
Parents are expected to attend lessons of students younger than 6th grade. All new parents in the studio should attend the first 2 to 4 lessons to take notes and learn about their child's learning style and teacher expectations.
If a student is a beginner or very young, 30 minutes may be spent in "student instruction mode" and the remainder will be used to facilitate and relate notes to the parent.
Advancing students may need additional time if preparing for an audition or working on longer repertoire. As such, the 45 minutes may be extended to 50/55 minutes as needed, with no additional charge.
It is imperative students commit to daily practice. The amount of time per day depends on each student’s goals and should never be less than 15 minutes per day. Remember, practicing takes many forms.
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Lessons are scheduled through the lessons scheduling page
Regular weekly or bi-weekly lessons take place in the months of September through May
Makeup lessons take place during the month of June
No lesson, makeup or otherwise, occur in the months of July or August
Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of music festivals and summer institutes to meet new families, experience new ensembles, and learn from the perspectives of new teachers
See the Upcoming Events Page for Summer Music opportunities
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Cancellations
If you know you must miss a lesson, call or text immediately at 971.990.3896 or email darian@upperstrings.com
A student who has a weekly lesson slot is committed to taking a lesson every time I am teaching during that slot for the entire Fall or Spring Semester. Cancellations for credit or non-payment are not allowed. If I need to miss a lesson, I will contact you at least 48 hours in advance to reschedule.
Makeups
Provided a student gives more than 48 hours notice of any absence, the student will receive a “make-up” lesson to be taken at the end of the studio teaching season in the month of June.
Whenever there are up-coming openings in my schedule, I will notify you via email. If you have a “make-up” lesson that is about to expire, and you cannot find an opening that works, please let me know. I will find a slot for you.
If less than 48 hour cancellation notice is given for any reason, the lesson will be forfeited by the student/parent, and no “make-up” lesson will be scheduled. There will be no exceptions to this policy.
A “make-up” lesson cancelled at any time, for any reason, cannot be rescheduled.
No cash refunds will be made under any circumstances.
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Lesson Materials
The student must own, rent, or have access to the instrument studied in lessons. Also necessary for daily practice is; a metronome, shoulder rest, and a music stand. The student must bring a practice journal, etudes/studies, repertoire, appropriate warm-up materials, and instrument to every lesson.
Materials Purchase
For your convenience, I have access to most materials required for lessons. Before purchasing any equipment, instruments, or supplies; please talk with me first. I generally refer students to David Kerr Violin Shop: 4451 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202; www.kerrviolins.com for supplies and instruments. Some materials are only available online or by ordering in advance. Sheet music can typically by found on Alfred Music, www.alfred.com, or at Southwest Strings, www.swstrings.com.
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Create a practice space that is distraction-free and encourages you to stay focused. This space should be well-lit, have quiet surroundings, no distractions (phones, tablets, laptops, siblings, pets, etc...)
Set and keep a consistent practice time. Having a routine makes it much easier to practice, even on those days when we might not feel like practicing. Talk about this with your parents to find a time that works for your family!
Practice regularly (everyday), even if it's just for 5 minutes. Regular, frequent practice is always better than a few, longer "cram" sessions.
Look for progress in little things and reinforce them with enthusiastic repetition. Congratulate yourself for specific things done well!
Record yourself. ALL. THE. TIME. This will give you a real version of how you played, not the filtered version we think we hear while playing.
Learning the notes & rhythms is just one element of your pieces, always remember to develop musical expression and beautiful tone during this process.
Review old pieces everyday, we are learning skill by skill, not piece by piece. Always think quality, not quantity.
Give home concerts often! Have you parents listen to your practice. Show them some of the tasks and skills you are learning through your current pieces.
Please Remember:
Give yourself 5,000 chances to succeed
Repetition is the key to mastery
Practice until you cannot get it wrong
Practice Makes Progress!
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Commit Long-term: Learning to play an instrument can be compared to learning a foreign language. It takes time and dedicated practice to see any progress. As a parent, you can help your child by insisting that they stay committed with a long-term goal in sight.
Encourage Regular Practice: If at all possible, encourage your child's practice time to be at the same time and place every day. Daily practice should be like brushing your teeth, seamlessly fitting into the daily routine.
Provide a Designated Practice Space: It is helpful if you encourage your child to have a space designated for practice, away from distraction, electronic devices and other family members. Keeping your child's instrument in a space where it isn't easily forgotten is also helpful.
Be an Active Participant: Your child will be more likely to practice efficiently and regularly if you take an active interest in what they are doing. Pull up a chair and listen to them, away from electronic devices. Ask them questions such as what they are working on, what parts are the most challenging for them, their favorite song or scale, etc.
Have Patience & A Positive Attitude: One of the most helpful (and most challenging) things to do is to have patience and a positive attitude as your child practices their instrument. You will hear many terrible and unrecognizable tunes as your child begins practicing their instrument regularly in the early stages. This will pass quickly with consistent practice!
Get Involved & Stay Informed: The best way to stay involved is to read email correspondence from your child’s teacher and ask questions. If they have a booster club and volunteer opportunities, lend a helping hand whenever possible. Running a school music program takes a village!
Listen to Quality Music: The best way for your child to learn what a well-defined, characteristic tone on their instrument sounds like is to listen to quality music and performing artists. Using recordings with well mastered audio, properly synced video to audio, and appropriately credited musical artists helps you and your child create aural goals for practice and progress as you work together. Need some recommendations? Use this playlist as a starting point.
Attend Live Performances
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Please make sure to use the following recordings when purchasing the requested book for violin or viola. For viola, the only option at this time, for most books, is William Preucil. For violin, please make sure to purchase the Hilary Hahn recordings.
