Testimonials

“Our 2.5-year-old daughter absolutely loves her violin class with Dana. She lights up with excitement before each lesson and often hums the tunes and practices at home. Dana’s warm, soulful presence creates a space where little ones feel safe, seen, and inspired. As a fellow mom, she brings a deep understanding of toddler behavior, meeting our daughter with patience, creativity, and care. We’re so grateful for the joy and musical magic she brings into her world and look forward to her continuing the journey with Dana for years to come.”

-Nupur, parent of 2.5-year-old violin student

“Dana is the pinnacle among the 10+ music coaches and teachers I’ve had, and my violin skills and musical connections have blossomed in the 9 months I’ve known her. As testament to how much I enjoy working with Dana, in the last two weeks she taught me in my private lesson and my new duet lesson, coached me in her Sycamore Adult Chamber Ensemble (SACE) class, and had SACE play in recital with her Sycamore
Chamber Orchestra youth ensemble. Dana is engaging and positive, and she is a patient listener. She challenges me to try harder pieces at faster tempos, while helping me in detail and at length with basic skills like bow hold, tone production, sight singing and vibrato. Her work ethic is extraordinary. She thinks deeply about my goals and needs, then gives me learning resources of all kinds, both traditional and modern. She
also answers my theory and technique emails in satisfying, nerdy detail. Moreover, when I met Dana, I said I wished there was a coached adult chamber program in the Livermore area. In the blink of an eye she created two such programs, including SACE. That introduced me to a large network of adult musicians and groups, including the
SACE quartet I now practice with weekly outside rehearsals. It’s also providing spontaneous social opportunities like concert outings and parties. Dana is a gem and a dynamo in the Bay Area music scene, and I hope to work with her for as long as I’m able to pick up a bow.”

-Jave, 63-year-old re-beginner violin student

“I first met Ms. Dana Anex through virtual lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. She is an extremely dedicated viola teacher. Her teaching has helped me accomplish so much over the past three and a half years. I was able to join MYO (Metropolitan Youth Orchestra), one of the best youth orchestras in my area. I have also been selected for the All County Music Festival and LISFA (Long Island String Festival) this year. She really focuses on every detail of my playing. She has helped me greatly improve my understanding of music theory. I was taught great methods to help me learn certain fingering patterns in scales, vibrato, and even the basics of holding a bow properly.”

-Dain, 12-year-old viola student

“Dana is an excellent violin teacher! Her expertise, patience, and passion for music truly shines through in every lesson. My daughter always looks forward to her lessons because Dana makes learning violin so much fun! With her guidance, my daughter’s violin skills have dramatically improved, and she has developed a greater appreciation for music and the violin. I highly recommend Dana to anyone seeking a violin teacher. “

-Jennifer, parent of a 10-year-old violin student

“Ms. Dana truly stands out among all of the music teachers I have ever had, none have matched the dedication, and care she has put into my lessons. Her attention to detail and understanding of my challenges have made a great improvement in my music career in only half a year, even though I had been on a break from violin for about a year. One of the areas where she has been particularly putting more effort into helping me is rhythm and tempo. Understanding the fundamentals of these aspects has been a challenge for me since the beginning. However, she provides exercises and strategies that have greatly improved my ability to read music and rhythm. Her patience and thoughtful constructive criticism helped me improve my overall growth in not only playing but also being confident while performing. What sets her apart from most teachers is that she listens to my goals and my personal development of playing the violin, and takes time to think about what would be the best way for me to grow as a musician. This year I was accepted into the Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra with the support of Ms. Dana. Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to make such a big growth in my musical journey.”

-Hannah, 14-year-old violin student

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