Testimonials
These are just a few of the reviews for Sacramento Strings that have been posted over the years on various websites
(Posted on Yelp by Robert S.) (5-Star Rating)
As a former professional musician/performance major I am in a unique position to review Erik.
The short: Erik is fun, funny, efficient, knowledgeable, has a beard and long hair. You will progress as long as you are willing to put in the time and effort but he will teach you something nearly all of my teachers/professors/instructors have failed to do: how to practice.
The long: I dropped out of college my senior year as a viola performance major in 1999. I haven't touched my viola since then, and have recently been looking for instructors in my area. Nearly everyone I contacted downright turned me down due to my unique situation, but Erik was willing to meet with me to see if we would be a good fit.
He offers a free first lesson so that worked out nicely. He was able to quickly and accurately diagnose some of my problems and by the end of the first lesson I was already sounding much better than when I first got there. He seems to have a natural ability to give me as much feedback as I can handle at once. For example, if my bow was too slow, didn't have enough pressure, using the wrong part of the bow, not enough hair, out of tune, and not using vibrato he would only tell me what I could handle instead of everything all at once and once I fixed the problems he addressed, the rest of the other problems were either fixed by me or addressed by him as appropriate.
He has a positive personality and a great sense of humor.
His practice studio/room/area is warm and inviting.
He loves Sinfonia Concertante in Eb Major by Mozart so you know he has great taste in music.
He has long hair so you know he's serious as a musician.
He has a beard so you know he's not a woman.
(Posted on Facebook by Kiera L.) (5-Star Rating)
I began taking violin lessons with Erik in December 2016 after about 15 year hiatus of actively playing. I started when I was younger but never had the privilege of having a private instructor back then. If I could've, I would've wished it was him! He is amazingly talented, knowledgeable, professional, attentive and intuitive as well. I make the same mistakes repeatedly but he has yet to run out of patience with me. He definitely tailors his lessons to the needs and abilities of the student and doesn't put more on them than they can handle. He is a great teacher that loves what he does and that goes out of his way for his students. I don't believe I could've found a better teacher!
(Posted on Yelp by Kristine F.) (5-Star Rating)
Erik is a wonderful instructor. My daughter is a lefty and chose to play a lefty violin. Although Erik did not recommend doing so initially, he embraced the challenge and never said another word once the decision was made. She has made great strides after one year and he has always been very encouraging and taken the time to learn more about her particular needs on his own. I so appreciate his open attitude and ability to be flexible in an industry that is not always so accepting. That is inspiring.
(Posted on Google by Leandra G.) (5-Star Rating)
My daughter loves taking lessons with Erik. Although we only intended to go for 2-3 months to brush up on skills, we are on 8 months now with no intentions of cutting back. The improvements she has made and enjoyment she receives from his instruction is worth the 30 minute drive it takes us to get to his studio in Roseville.
(Posted on Yelp by Natalie S.) (5-Star Rating)
READ THIS . I am an older beginner with zero im talking zero musical background and i happened to just stumble onto Erik's website back in May. It was THE BEST accident i ever made because i cannot praise his musical abilities enough. He is not only an amazing violinist but he is the best teacher, which is important to say because there is a difference. His methods are easy to understand and he is excellent on pointing out technical errors. Unfortunately i was only able to stay with him for 4 months due to me moving to a different location, but after only 4 months and finding a new local teacher in my new location, not only was my new teacher extremely impressed, but he was bragging about how great of a teacher i previously had , as my form was perfect and precise. He even said my previous teacher (Erik Williams) is probably better than he was which made me die a little inside since i had to leave him and find a new teacher. Anyway not to get you bored , if you want a succesful violinist, go to Erik. Best decision you will ever make. Oh also, he rents violins for pennies extra a month so you can start RIGHT AWAY if you want to.
(Posted on Facebook by Stacey J.) (5-Star Rating)
I have been working with Erik for the last 2 months. He is an amazing teacher and has a magical way of looking at you as an individual and tailoring your lessons to your learning style. I am a teacher myself and would recommend him to any of my students and friends. He is very patient and takes time for you to understand and play each note well. He makes playing the violin fun and exciting.
(Posted on Yelp by Lewis K.) (5-Star Rating)
My granddaughter approached her mother (my daughter) about taking lessons on the violin. I was willing to help. At first I was her transportation but later I decided to take lessons, also. When younger I played saxophone and clarinet. I currently play the piano at an intermediate level. We were fortunate in choosing Erik Williams as our teacher. I've been impressed by Erik's skills as a violinist and as a teacher. He is remarkably good at dealing with young children. He is patient with them and understands their capabilities and limits. The violin is a challenging instrument and Erik has been able to help my granddaughter and I through the rough spots in dealing with the instrument. As we advance in skill beyond the beginning level, the music gets tougher but it also becomes more rewarding. We appreciate the help that Erik has provided us to reach this point. To learn music effectively requires the right teacher and Erik is an exceptional teacher.
(Posted on Google by Caitlyn N.) (5-Star Rating)
I’ve been taking lessons with Erik for more than 6 months now. Being an adult learner is hard and Erik has been very patient and understanding. He lays out my lessons that fit me and he goes at my pace. I’m very happy with him as my violin instructor.
(Posted on Facebook by Melanie D.) (5-Star Rating)
Erik is the best! I started taking violin lessons at the end of September. I was surprised that I was still able to become a student here with absolutely no experience playing the instrument, but I have always wanted to learn. It is clear that Erik loves what he does and loves teaching this art to others (as long as you are willing to practice!) I have left every lesson feeling confident and motivated & I really appreciate the encouragement I have received here. As a side note, I was privileged to be able to hear Erik play my request of Rachmaninoff's Vocalise (which of course he knew by heart lol) & it almost brought me to tears. I highly recommend Sacramento Strings!
(Posted on Google by Carolyn C.) (5-Star Rating)
Eric is the best! I was on the verge of quitting violin after investing 5 years into it because I just couldn't find a teacher to show me how to improve my tone and vibrato. I'm an adult who plays in a small band and my years of effort were being dashed to the ground until I met Erik! His techniques are priceless - - they are helping me correct a bunch of bad habits I've acquired - - and the quality of my playing has improved a lot in just a short time!! Erik's the real deal!!
(Posted on Yelp by Lori K.) (5-Star Rating)
Choosing the right person to teach your child an instrument is a precarious position for a parent. That choice will set the tone for your child's love/hate for future musical endeavors. On a good note (pun intended), Erik has been an amazing choice. Knowledge mixed with patience and humor sets the tone for a wonderful learning environment. I love the way he corrects and explains why the need for correction. By watching, you can tell that Erik loves what he does and passes that enthusiasm on to his students.
(Posted on Google by Darlene C.) (5-Star Rating)
My son has been taking violin lessons from Erik for seven months now, and we are so impressed with his teaching. He is knowledgeable, patient, and an excellent communicator. He is serious about what needs to be learned, and he has a fun sense of humor to go along with it ~ great qualities in any teacher! We appreciate his flexibility when we had to change times when the school year began. Fees are reasonable. And, wait until you hear him play...he's amazing!
(Posted on Yelp by Jenn B.) (5-Star Rating)
I started taking violin lessons with Erik a year ago in February. I added viola lessons in July of last year and I'm still playing them both. I had played guitar in college, but my progress on violin has been much quicker. Erik caters his teaching exactly to my learning style. This is of particular importance because a little over two years ago, I sustained a mild head injury from a ski accident. Not only has playing the violin helped with deficits in my memory and right hand function, but it helped rebuild my confidence at a time when everything seemed difficult. Both Erik and I could not be more pleased with my progress.
