From Fight to Ease

by Unmani
(Australia)

Hi I am an adult violinist who always wanted that beautiful sound but no lessons or methods seemed to help.
I discovered Kato only last year and realised from my isolated place of living (on a 3ooo acre sheep and grains farm in Australia) that I need live lessons so thought of skype.
I had 12 lessons over summer - we worked around the death of my brother, the management of screen lessons and other issues (it's harvest) to have our lessons.
Monica was very generous, detailed and passionate (that's the one I am really looking for) in her approach.
I loved that the lesson would just take shape around the initial question I came with and that from a distance of a globe away she could tell if my high G was flat!
She also showed immediate familiarity with Kato's books as relevant situations arose so I could go away and read the section.
In fact she was a model in her representation of the approach in general.
So I am now confidant to have a good sound playing a 10 minute solo in front of a big audience at a local festival this coming Sunday.
Thank you Monica

My First Lesson with Monica

by Diane
(NJ USA)

I recently contacted Monica Cuneo and was delighted to find that she would be able to teach me via Skype. I felt somewhat apprehensive as I have never taken a lesson on Skype and my computer skills are not the most advanced. However, after reading the books written by Kato Havas and watching the DVD I knew I needed to learn more about playing in my case, the violin without tension. This is very important to me because I have injured my left shoulder from playing with an abundance of tension. In order for me to continue playing violin, I must learn how to eliminate tension.
I felt completely at ease during my first lesson with Monica. I particularly appreciate her teaching style which includes a step by step presentation of foundational concepts, the welcoming of questions, and the concise review and conclusion.
Monica generously shares her knowledge clearly, compassionately, and at times humorously.
I came away from my lesson with a feeling of enthusiasm and inspiration, confident that I will be able to reach my musical goal. I am very grateful to be able to study with such an amazing teacher.