Testimonials
"...having a violin studio like Nissa's and an instructor like Christine Widman, does make a difference."
Dec. 14th, 2009
I'm so happy to be at Nissa's Violin Studio. For me, going into beginning Violin was a major decision. As an adult in my mid forties, with disabilities that would prevent most people from even teaching me, and other barriers, I decided to give it a go and see what happens.
Seven months later, and there is no end in sight. My love for this instrument has grown in ways i never imagined. I have always loved the sound of the Violin, but now it's much more than just sound, its emotion, that only a Violin can express. I can take a bow for all the hours of practice and dedication, but having a Violin studio like Nissa's and an instructor like Christine Widman, does make a difference. The teaching methods offer me a wide range of ways to break down my practice times, and that does make a big difference.
I am the winner in all this, I get the instruction from a very accomplished instructor, and the experience from a very well run Violin studio that has an incredible reputation for producing some very fine violinists.
So, no matter your age, disabled or not. If you have a desire to learn or pick it up again, Nissa's Violin Studio is a great place get er done!
Thank you so much Christine and Nissa.
Matt Gibilisco
"I am so glad I happened upon Nissa's Violin Studio and Christine."
Sept. 9th, 2009
My child had been taking Suzuki violin lessons for about six months when we re-located to Lincoln for the summer holiday. He was on the verge of turning 5 at the time. During his tenure with the Suzuki method he was only able to tolerate 10 minutes lessons and could play the first eight notes of "Twinkle Little Star," but seemed uninterested in playing or practicing.
I was familiar with Nissa through the band Little Brown Jug (both my child and I enjoyed seeing them perform) and I came across an ad saying Nissa had a violin studio. I called to schedule some summer lessons.
In two weeks, Christine had the four-year-old reading music and excited to play and practice. He was not just tolerating, but enjoying 30 minute lessons. He was excited to work with Christine. She was patient, yet firm, and made the lesson lots of fun. She made him laugh and he absolutely fell in love with her.
My child has been taking lessons from Christine for only about three months (and he is now five years old), but I am amazed with the results. He can identify not only the names of notes, but rhythm patterns. In other words, he can read music! And he is not only making it all the way through "Twinkle Little Star," but he has fun making up his own variations and working through the standard variations that are part of the lesson. He will, upon hearing a rhythm or a tune, try to write out the notes on a staff. Usually he is pretty close, if not spot on.
Three months ago, I would have never guessed that he would be able to read music at this age. He loves figuring out the puzzle of the notes and rhythms. He loves going to lessons and interacting with Christine. He likes practicing and pushing himself to "get it right." I am so glad I happened upon Nissa's Violin Studio and Christine. We are continuing the lessons, even if it means a commute during the school year. It has been amazing and thrilling to see him take off and respond to music lessons in this way. He can't wait for lessons and he wants to do all he can to show Christine he is working hard and making progress.
Kay Siebler, Ph.D.
Director of Composition
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, Missouri
August, 2009
"Nissa is a great teacher. She always explains things in a fun way. She never gets really mad at me. Whenever I have trouble with something she helps me."
-Anonymous Student
"Nissa has a way of getting to know each student."
August, 2009
"Nissa has been an absolute inspiration for our daughter for the past 5 years now! She is so positive and enthusiastic! I have watched her help build poise and confidence in many of her students over the years! Marina absolutely adores her and looks forward to each lesson and recital! Both her home studio and separate studio are warm and inviting. Nissa has a way of getting to know each student at their own level and making them feel good about what they are doing. She is an incredible teacher!"
-Alisa Kushner
August, 2009
"...Nissa's studio provides a comfortable yet challenging atmosphere for the non-traditional student..."
-Anonymous
"Nissa is so good at reading her students and their preferences for music."
August, 2009
"My daughter has been taking lessons with Nissa de la Torre for about four years. Sarah's sixth grade teacher recommended Nissa. I am so very glad we went with the recommendation.
"Nissa has helped Sarah discover so many things about playing the violin and the music that is available. Sarah discovered how very much she enjoys playing fiddle tunes. She has joined the different groups Nissa has organized and performed around the city and state, come to think of it. Sarah has been involved with special day-long workshops put on by a variety of celebrities in circles as well.
"Nissa is so good at reading her students and their preferences for music. You can see this during recitals. The variety of genres present in the selections the students play is amazing and show Nissa's ability to be flexible with her violinist.
The recitals Nissa organizes are wonderful. She is generous with her praise, fun and entertaining. There is always a lovely reception following. It is a time for community and celebration for family and friends of the students.
"I am so glad my daughter is able to work with Nissa. They have so much fun together at lessons. Sarah learns and grows all the time along with developing a great joy for playing the violin.”
-Sandie Knuth
August, 2009
"Nissa is an awesome teacher! She makes learning to play the violin fun and easy to understand. She always encourages me and helps me to be the best musician I can be."
-Morgan Mallum
October, 2007
"I have a number of students who either have been in your studio/Spitfire Band, and all have said positive things about their experiences with your group(s). I'm just writing to say 'way to go!' to your efforts!"
- Sam Packard
"Your enthusiasm is contagious and has made all the difference. Thanks!"
September, 2007
“My son may not be sitting in the first chairs (yet?), but you would not believe what you have done for him. Last year he would not have defined himself as a violin player by any stretch, much less someone who enjoys it. Your enthusiasm is contagious and has made all the difference. Thanks!”
–Tammy
May 10, 2006
"I wanted to thank you for all you did to make the recital such a wonderful event. I think we may be able to get the girl to do another after this one. It was colorful, organized and the music was amazing, simply amazing. Thanks again."
-Sandie
May 8, 2006
“What a nice recital – all the hard work pays off! I really enjoyed the music . . . . it is fun to listen to how the kids all progress. My daughter and I enjoyed some of the beginners and the songs we recognized that she had played.”
-Teri
March 27, 2006
“I just wanted to tell you again how FUN the performance was tonight. The band sounds great, I could sit and listen for hours!”
- Angie
"Thank you for the time and dedication you have to your studio and your students."
December 21, 2005
“Thank you so much for putting on such a WONDERFUL recital! It was the best one I have been to so far!! The fiddle group is just GREAT!! I was very proud to have such a large number of our family members there to see such a great performance. You outdid yourself. I hope that you will be selling DVD's of this concert, as I would love to purchase one. I am just so impressed by the fiddle group - it was awesome to finally hear the group play together. KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS!!! Congratulations on a job well done. Thank you for the time and dedication you have to your studio and your students. You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you for making such a difference in Maddie's life, and in turn, ours. We hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season!”
-Angie
