“Ana-Carita is the absolute best instructor. She is so amazing with my son(8) and able to deal with his emotions when he doesn't do as well as he wants to do. I highly recommend Ana-Carita for any young artist" - Rick ... "Ana is very encouraging and is helping me meet my goals of becoming a better musician" -Yvonne ... "Always encouraging and pushes me in a really good way!!!" -Chandler ...

"Ana is absolutely amazing. I’m so thankful I got paired with her. We get work done, but I can be my self with her and that makes me feel more confident in my ability to grow. She’s patient and gives me the validation I need. It’s ok for me to make mistakes ... I’m literally learning. As silly as that may sound, I needed to hear it. I’m also really glad that we are starting with simpler songs and continued to challenge me. Otherwise, I think I may have been embarrassed and thought I should been at a much level higher of playing then I currently am. I’m very excited for my next lesson and even for practicing on my own under her instruction" -Leah ... "I love the feedback I get from each lesson!" ... "Couldn’t have picked a better instructor!!!" - Chandler ... "Great teaching" - Yvonne ... "I am grateful for all the great lessons and how easy Trala makes it!" -Kerryanna ...

"Always a blast!" - Chandler ... "Ana-Carita is absolutely amazing! I am a single mom of 2 and she has been fantastic about understanding when life gets in the way! She explains things perfectly in a way that I understand!" -Caitlynn ... "Great instructions and encouraging" ... Really building my confidence!!!" - Chandler ... "I love the feedback I get from each lesson!" ... "Ana-Carita is extremely patient and well versed in working with young children!" -Rick ... "Great lessons" -Yvonne ... "Ana is so patient smart and caring! Thank you!" -Sarah ... "Great teaching" -Yvonne

Classical Foundations & Contemporary Horizons in Violin Education

Grounded in rigorous classical training under renowned pedagogue Lorand Fenyves at The Glenn Gould School in Toronto (who was also my teacher Heilwig von Koenigsloew's mentor), my journey with the violin spans over 30 years. My dedication was recognized early in my teens through repeated Silver awards for highest marks in British Columbia's Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations. At age 16, I became one of the youngest members accepted into the National Youth Orchestra of Canada under the baton of Sir Simon Streatfield, subsequently touring Eastern Canada in 2001. As first violinist of the Ulysses String Quartet, I was invited to perform live on CBC Radio One for a feature on 'Rising Stars'.

My classical foundation deepened through masterclasses and coaching with distinguished musicians, including members of the Orford String Quartet at the Southern Ontario Chamber Music Institute, Lafayette String Quartet, Marie Bernard (Canadian Opera Company), and Bramwell Tovey (Vancouver Symphony Orchestra). My orchestral experience includes positions with the Royal Conservatory Orchestra, Kelowna Pops Orchestra, and I served as first violinist for the Abbotsford Virtuosi under the direction of Dr. Calvin Dyck.

Building upon this classical foundation, I embarked on a journey to expand my musical horizons. My studies broadened to include contemporary studies at Berklee College of Music, Celtic music at the Valley of the Moon Scottish Fiddling School in California, and Irish trad. music through Boston College's Gaelic Roots program. This expansion continued with vocal training and production studies at Selkirk College's Contemporary Music & Technology Program. As a participant at the Victor Wooten Centre for Nature and Music's 'Teaching About Teaching' program, I experienced their approach to music education as a process of discovery—creating spaces where students can explore and grow naturally, much like learning their first language. This approach honors the root meaning of 'education' (‘educari’) as 'that which comes from within,' focusing on facilitation rather than instruction.

My role as a teacher emerged early: at age 13, I was invited by music theory professor Rodney Webster to teach violin classes at Music Language Institutes in Mission, BC. After an initial apprenticeship, I went on to lead a growing violin studio of over 20 students, including young children, teens, and adults, until taking a break from teaching at age 17. This early experience, combined with my own simultaneous studies, provided unique insights into music education from both student and teacher perspectives. My teaching later expanded to include positions at The Powell River Academy of Music and The School of Rock in Seattle as a voice and keys instructor, and acted as a substitute teacher for Serena Eades of ‘Delhi to Dublin’, BC, Canada. Through my time with Trala School of Music from August 2023 until its closing, I taught over 68 violin students ranging from age seven to seventy-five online.

Today, my teaching methods blend classical foundations with contemporary versatility. As an active recording artist, I have recorded for artists including Moontricks, Dearheart, Steph MacPherson, and Ian Crawford. My solo work was recognized with a nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2017 Kootenay Music Awards in Nelson, BC, Canada.

Drawing from my diverse musical background, spanning traditional to contemporary styles, I guide students in developing strong fundamentals while exploring their own musical paths. Currently based in Albuquerque, NM, I maintain an active teaching studio, offering both online and in-person instruction to help students build musical excellence and enjoyment while discovering their unique expression on the instrument.