Mary Helen Weinstein |
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| Violin, Viola |
| Education |
| Mary Helen Weinstein holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in violin performance from Eastman School of Music, as well as teaching credentials in music and multiple subjects from National University in San Jose. A long-time resident of the Bay Area, Mary Helen has studied violin with Charles Meacham, Zvi Zeitlin, and Virginia Voigtlander Baker, chamber music with Stuart Canin, Gabor Rejto, and Don Weilerstein, and improvisation with Peter Spitzer. |
| Performing and Teaching Experience |
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Mary Helen has played with the Rochester Philharmonic, Women’s Philharmonic (as Concertmaster), San Francisco, Oakland, Marin, and Santa Rosa Symphonies. She was a member of the San Jose Symphony for 17 years. She has toured with Chuck Mangione, The Fifth Dimension, San Francisco Ballet, and Western Opera. Mary Helen currently plays in the New Millenium Quartet and plays jazz with String Thing. She has been a private teacher for many years and works with all ages, including older adults and those with disabilities. She also coaches for youth orchestras, adjudicates, and teaches ensembles. |
| At CSMA |
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Mary Helen has been a member of the CSMA Music Faculty since 1998. She currently teaches violin, beginning viola, and the Intro to Violin class. |
| Teaching Philosophy and Approach |
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Mary Helen’s teaching style is an individualized approach, emphasizing technique and musicianship, strong rhythmic training, practice strategies, and student choice of music—from classical to bluegrass, and from Charlie Parker to movie themes. |
| Personal |
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The parent of a child who studies piano at CSMA, Mary Helen has enjoyed playing in a student jazz combo at CSMA since summer 2004. A former jewelry artist/member of Viewpoints Art Gallery in Los Altos, Mary Helen is currently a member of the bead group at CSMA. |
| Website: |