Ms. Lily SlatonBarker

Performing Experience
I grew up a Suzuki Kid and am now pursuing full qualifications as a Suzuki Teacher. I am currently attending the University of Oregon to receive a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance and a Studio Teaching Specialization. I am an applicant for the University of Oregon’s Masters of Music in Violin Performance Program as well.

I have been playing since I was 7 years old. I have been concertmaster of the Anchorage Youth Orchestra, West High Orchestra, and I performed as a soloist with Lalo’s Symphony Espagnole 1st movement with the Anchorage Youth Symphony. I am currently performing with the University of Oregon Symphony as a first violinist, and I am playing in two different Piano Ensembles, a Quartet and Trio at the University. I have been in a few String Quartets as well. I have also performed with #instaballet, EDME, and for various Church Services.

Teaching Philosophy
Violin has been my voice for personal expression, and I want to share my love for music and violin with all the kids I teach. There is no need or requirement to be an amazing violinist in my studio, the only thing that is needed is a love for music and sharing it with others. Everyone has a musical voice, and each is beautiful and unique. My goal is to help each student find their own voice.

One of my foci as a teacher is to set up my students with the tools to understand their physical bodies, using form, posture, and body-awareness knowledge. I have suffered from pain and tendonitis from playing violin, and I want my students to have the tools to avoid those issues. My Undergraduate Thesis involves writing a Companion Book for Suzuki Book 1 involving exercises and explorations paired to the Suzuki Repertoire that illuminate anatomical knowledge, body awareness, and ergonomical playing for each student. This will be a project I continue through all the Suzuki Books.

Teaching Experience
I have been teaching since 2019 and began coaching my peers in my High School Orchestras. From there, my studio has grown, and I now teach a small studio at the Pavilanis School of Music. This studio will expand in August 2024, as I will be starting my own private violin and viola studio in Eugene Oregon, including a few online students from Alaska.

I am also working with the Community Music Institute at the University of Oregon, teaching group classes and working on my Violin/Viola Master’s Studio Teaching Specialization. I plan to continue into a Master’s degree here in 2024.

Every child deserves music lessons if they want them, and I do not want cost to be a barrier for the growth of a love for music, so I can be flexible with price based on financial need.

I teach in-person or online lessons (Zoom or Facetime). I will welcome students from any state as online students and in-person lessons if you are located near the University of Oregon in Eugene. I am accepting new students in August 2024, and can do trial lessons starting in June.

Mentors
My Violin Teachers include Dawn Lindsay, Hal Grossman, Shelley Rich, and Dr. Sunmi Chang.
My mentors in teaching include James Hutchins, Daniel Gee Cordova, Nancy Lokken, and Shelley Rich.

Degrees Planned
Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance 2024 University of Oregon
Studio Teaching Specialization 2025 University of Oregon
Suzuki Teacher Training Books 1-4 2024
Suzuki Teacher Training Books 5-8 2025
Suzuki Teacher Training Books 9-10 2026
Master of Music in Violin Performance 2026 University of Oregon