Viola Lessons in Central Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

Mostly I'd refer to the methods section. Though here I will discuss the dragon that is practice. It's difficult. Even I don't practice as much as I'd like and I'd wager few truly do, but it is consistency that makes the difference. I often say that music has more in common with a physical activity than an intellectual one. What I mean is, you can learn a fact and know it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have been teaching for close to 30 years and enjoy the challenge of working with students of all ages, levels, strengths, and styles. I have taught violin, music theory, chamber music, and repertoire throughout my career. Previous faculty positions include San Jose String Academy, Sierra Music Academy, Texas Christian University Preparatory Division Extended Education, and New Jersey Music School. As a chamber musician, I served for four years as first violinist of the Greystone String Quartet and collaborated with Anna Kruger, founding violist of the Lark Quartet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is by assigning studies and etudes to develop fundamentals while simultaneously incorporating the learnt fundamentals into “real-time”, on the job training! I have learned all of my most valuable lessons while performing and being put on the spot; I will teach my students how to be prepared for any situation, not only in regard to music but also in relation to life, by having a calm and steady approach to the task at hand! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginner students, I like to work on positioning the instrument, proper bow hold, and simple string crossing exercises. A great beginners book is the quick steps to note reading. I believe beginner students should be practicing with this book every day. When they are ready to start learning pieces, I really like to use the Suzuki books. This works for both young beginners and adult beginners. For students who are more advanced, I am adamant about them practicing scales and etudes. Read More