Madison Powell
Violin, Viola, and Flute Studio
Madison Gren Powell began her violin studies at age eight and her flute studies at age ten. As a scholarship pupil of virtuoso Anna Vayman, Mrs. Powell received a B.M. as a prestigious Fine Arts Scholar from Ball State University in 2009. As a distinguished soloist and orchestral musician, Mrs. Powell also received her Carnegie Hall debut in New York City on the violin at age fifteen. With two degrees in performance, one in violin and the other in flute, Mrs. Powell often performs solo and chamber works and has frequently premiered modern works by innovative and new composers.
Mrs. Powell's performance distinctions are lengthy and include her tenure as Associate Concertmaster of the Ball State Symphony Orchestra (2006-2007 season), Concertmaster of the East Central Indiana Chamber Orchestra, member of the first violin section of the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra, and appearances with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Throughout her high school training, Mrs. Powell was both Concertmaster of the nationally renowned Carmel High School Orchestra and Principal Flutist of the equally exclusive and renowned Carmel High School Symphony Band. Both ensembles won numerous national championships during her tenure.
Mrs. Powell's rich musical background and extensive musical training were enhanced by her studies with pupils of the famed virtuoso and pedagogue Joseph Gingold. She is also a proud alumnus of the Indiana University String Academy at the world-renowned Jacobs School of Music in Bloomington, Indiana. Mrs. Powell was also a featured artist at the Midwest Summer Games at the RCA Dome when she performed the National Anthem for a full-capacity audience in Indianapolis, IN.
Mrs. Powell is also a highly respected and active private teacher. She currently serves on the violin faculty at Goshen College, teaching students in the renowned string academy. Her students throughout the state have taken prizes at statewide music competitions. Mrs. Powell is also a featured clinician in the Indiana region and works with many middle and high school music programs. She served as the treasurer of the Ball State University Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (2007-2008) and maintains a large private studio.
Mrs. Powell's husband, violinist Joel Powell, is the director of the Goshen Middle School Orchestra in Goshen, IN. In her spare time, Mrs. Powell enjoys traveling, photography, comedies, spoiling her pets, long walks, and even longer naps.
Lessons
LESSON FORMAT
All lessons are private, consisting of one-on-one instruction at Mrs. Powell's private studio. Please contact Mrs. Powell to inquire about rates, group lessons, master classes, and theory lessons. Mrs. Powell teaches students of all ages and ability levels.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Mrs. Powell believes that all students are talented and capable of succeeding at music. Mrs. Powell serves as a catalyst to empower each student to become his or her own best teacher. By teaching students to identify and properly correct issues during practice and performance, the student is far more likely to succeed in musical endeavors. Every lesson is also tailored to the unique learning needs of the student. Depending on the level of each student, Mrs. Powell selects materials that are suited to the student's abilities and particular learning needs.
Violin Lessons
The violin is unlike any other instrument, as it most closely resembles the human voice. Despite being one of the most difficult instruments, the violin is perhaps the most rewarding instrument to learn to play. Mrs. Powell's extensive experience in teaching the violin helps to eliminate frustration as well as to eliminate many of the "squeaks" one so often hears with beginners.
Mrs. Powell uses a proven method of teaching called the Singing Violin, which in many ways is similar to the famed Suzuki method. The major difference is that students studying in the Singing Violin learn strong reading skills in combination with firm aural grounding. With the detailed, succint, colorful, and wonderfully written books of Dr. Caroline Card Wendt, students are offered not only the traditional technique-based material of most violin books but an overall emphasis of musicality and expression that no other system of teaching even attempts to approach. Please feel free to visit www.singingviolin.com to further learn about Dr. Caroline Wendt and her wonderful series of books.
Viola Lessons
With arguably the richest and most distinct tone, the viola is the most unique of all string instruments. All too frequently, many teachers attempt to teach the viola like violin. However, the viola is far different from the violin and demands its own respect.
Mrs. Powell utilizes a unique approach from Singing Strings Press that is adapted for the viola. This approach emphasizes music history, music theory, correct playing technique, music reading skills, and an aural approach that marries the human voice with the rich-sounding viola. Helpful pictures and guides make this technique the premier choice among viola teachers. The viola is a pivotal solo instrument that has a deep, rich tone that is unmatched in the solo world. Mrs. Powell's mission is to instill a love for this unique instrument in each of her students.
Flute Lessons
The flute is one of the most essential band and orchestra instruments. With its high, singing tone, the flute requires private instruction for mastery. With a music degree in flute and violin, Mrs. Powell works to establish the foundations of flute playing with her students while emphasizing musicality and individuality in performance.
Mrs. Powell uses several teaching methods. The use of these methods depends on the individual needs of the student. In each method, there is a great deal of importance placed on scales, aural skill building, and the traditional performance of pieces appropriate to the student's ability level.
Media
Please place your cursor over the iPod below and click on your desired selection to listen to Mrs. Powell's various live recordings.
Contact
Phone: 574-742-8617
