Get to know Mobile Music Lessons faculty member Neelee Brauner! Learn more about her on our faculty page. Read more faculty spotlights on our blog.
Q: How did you get started playing viola?
A: I started playing violin when I was four years old. Every week when my brother would have piano lessons I’d ask my mom “where’s my violin teacher?” so she finally started me in Suzuki group class! When I was a sophomore in high school, I had a ton of elective credits so I took beginning orchestra and decided to learn viola and cello. It turned out I was really good at viola (and liked it better than violin), so I finally switched to viola as my main instrument that year!
Q: Do you have a favorite piece or composer, and why are they your favorite?
A: I love viola sonatas; viola and piano blend so nicely together! Also anything by Brahms because his romantic melodies are just so beautiful and he wrote so nicely for viola!
Q: Why is music so important to you?
A: Music is important to me because it’s something that’s always been there with me. Many milestones in my life have been music related and I’m so thankful that my passion is my career!
Q: Tell us about your teaching philosophy.
A: I create a welcoming and fun environment where my students can explore and learn music while developing other life skills that go hand in hand with playing their instrument.
I create a welcoming and fun environment where my students can explore and learn music while developing other life skills that go hand in hand with playing their instrument.
Q: Why do you enjoy teaching with Mobile Music Lessons?
A: I’m happy to be a part of Mobile Music Lessons (MML) because of the community of music teachers. I recently moved to Des Moines, and it was hard to meet new people or get more involved in the music scene. Being a faculty member of MML is bringing me closer to my goal of being a full time private teacher!
