Private Violin Lessons with Yoshiko Kunimitsu
in South Dayton and Surrounding Area

Yoshiko received her Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music, Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and also received additional training at the Universitat Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. During her formative years, her summers were spent at Aspen Music Festival and School, National Repertory Orchestra, American Institute for Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, and the Round Top Music Festival in Texas. In addition to maintaining a private studio in the South Dayton area, she also plays in the Dayton Philharmonic and owns Rosé Strings, a professional string group. Under her management, this group has won multiple industry awards for high-quality work and professionalism. Though she enjoys playing professionally, she considers teaching to be her true calling – her top students have gone on to pursue music professionally. They have also won competitions at various levels and have been selected for titled chair positions in local youth orchestras. Yoshiko’s teaching philosophy is not necessarily to produce students who go to a conservatory and become professional musicians. It is to help students develop their potential and apply in real life the discipline and skills gained from learning violin. Her approach emphasizes not only technical skill, but also discipline, confidence, and lifelong learning through music.

Yoshiko has lived in the US since the age of two and is a naturalized US citizen. She has native level language proficiency in English.

Lessons are scheduled weekly in 30 to 60 minute sessions based on the student’s level and learning goals. Consistent attendance is expected from September through June to ensure steady progress and skill development.

During the summer months, lessons are available on an à la carte basis for families who would like to continue instruction with added flexibility. Because lesson times are reserved specifically for each student, regular attendance is required. Frequent cancellations and rescheduling due to sports or other activities cannot be accommodated.

Yoshiko accepts students ages 8 and up following a consultation lesson.

Inquiries:
Call or text (937) 474-2922
Email [email protected]

Service Area

Yoshiko provides lessons to students across the south Dayton area, including but not limited to the following areas

Testimonials

"Ms. Kunimitsu is an exceptional teacher, and we are lucky to have her serving the students in our school district. Her attention to detail with posture, intonation, and musicality is superb, and her students consistently earn Superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble, and are successful with their auditions to the Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestras. I highly recommend her as a violin instructor- she is amazing!"

"Yoshiko has been one of our district's "go to" private instructors over the past two decades. Her focus on proper technique through level appropriate repertoire gives her students a solid foundation in which to build on as well as explore advanced musicianship. I am particularly grateful for the consistency in her teaching as well as dependability in terms of scheduling that ensures students do not have gaps in their instruction."

“I’ve known Yoshiko Kunimitsu for many years, both through her work as a member of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and also as a very talented and “go-to” teacher for the areas finest young violinists. In the many times I’ve been asked to recommend a violin instructor, I have never hesitated to suggest Yoshiko. Her performance experience and pedagogical skill make her an excellent choice for lessons.”

"Yoshiko is a wonderful teacher. She taught both of our sons with a gentle but professional approach. She not only worked with them to greatly improve their skills, but made the process enjoyable. She helped them to develop their love of classical music, which remains an important part of their lives. She successfully guided them through the competitive auditions for the Dayton Junior Strings, Youth Strings, and the Youth Orchestra. Throughout the process, she strove to support their individual goals, recognizing the different priority that music plays among their various interests rather than simply pushing them to the highest level of musical achievement for her own reputation. We highly recommend Yoshiko as a violin teacher for whatever musical goals your child has."

Frequently Asked Questions

What age does Yoshiko serve?

Yoshiko instructs kids age 8 an up following a consultation lesson and also takes adult students.

How long does it take to learn violin?

Stringed instruments are some of the hardest instruments to learn due to what is required in the coordination and the fingerboard being fretless. This really depends on the talent level of the student and how much they practice. Yoshiko suggests spending at least one year to learn the basic set up in first position and to be able to read and count music.

Do I need my own instrument?

Students will need their own instrument and they can be rented through various music stores in the Dayton area.

Do you tailor lessons to the student’s goals?

Private lessons are always tailored to the student’s goals. The only thing Yoshiko doesn’t allow is for for the student to just take lessons and not practice.

Can parents sit in on lessons?

Parents are always welcome to sit in on the lesson as long as they don’t interrupt the learning process. It is encouraged to allow 1:1 time with the student to allow Yoshiko to develop rapport with the student.

Where are lessons held? (studio, home, travel options)

Yoshiko teaches in Springboro at That Music Place, at Centerville High School, and in Kettering at the 7th Day Adventist Church.

How do you track student progress?

Yoshiko tracks progress by observing improvements in provided assignments.