Lauretta Werner Merriman, DMA

Teaching Priorities

1. Cultivating a Beautiful Tone

2. Establishing a Healthy Mindset during Practice and Performance

3. Finding Joy in the Process

4. Solidifying Technique to Communicate Emotions, Stories, and Musicianship

5. Exploring Diverse and Unique Styles, Composers, and Performance Experiences 

Testimonials

“Dr. Lauretta Werner is a wonderful music educator who uses thoughtful, clear and structured approaches to music teaching that meets each student where they are and adapts to what each student needs. Her approach to string education is fun, enriching and- above all- musical! Dr. Werner shows her students patience, consistency, kindness, and enthusiasm as they take their string music making journey. It is a joy to see her teach and watch her students grow!” 

--Former Colleague and Music Education Associate Professor at a Public University

“My son, who is now 11, has a real passion for playing the violin thanks to Dr. Werner’s excellent, encouraging instruction. He always enjoys her fun, yet challenging lessons.  Dr. Werner cares deeply that my son is learning good technique. I highly recommend her as a violin instructor.”

–- Private Violin Lesson Parent 

“Our children have loved studying the violin with Dr. Werner!  Dr. Werner connects with young students in a way that is joyful, patient, and inspiring. Her methodical approach builds confidence and technical success at every lesson. My children are excited about playing the violin and look forward to lessons each week. She provides genuine warmth and care to each student, and is able to adapt to the different learning styles and of my individual children. We are so grateful for the positive impact Dr. Werner has had on our children's musical development. If you are looking for a teacher that brings heart, skill, and joy to every lesson, study with Dr. Werner!”

--Director of a Community Music Program and Private Lesson Parent 

“Dr. Lauretta Werner Merriman has the three qualities that are most important in a violin teacher: the heart of an educator, excellent skill as a violinist and extensive experience as a professional musician. I would not hesitate for a moment to tell a prospective student and/or their parents that they would significantly advance under the tutelage of Dr. Werner. She has just the right balance of “push and pull”: pushing students to take the next step up in their playing while pulling them up with the support and encouragement they need to build their confidence and help them ascend to that next step. As a bonus, Dr. Werner has several years of experience as the director of a university chamber orchestra. I have been a member of that chamber orchestra for the entirety of her tenure there, and it was clear to me in every moment of rehearsal that Dr. Werner was focused on bringing up the level of play of every member, regardless of their starting point, as well as the level of the entire orchestra. It is also clear to me—and to anyone familiar with the level of the orchestra when she stepped in as its leader and where the orchestra is now—that she was extremely successful.”

--Violinist and member of the Longwood University Chamber Orchestra as well as a former member of many university orchestras