Viola Lessons in Locust Valley, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I strive to find an individual approach to each student and it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. While daily practice is necessary for quicker progress, not every student has the time for it. So I teach my students how to use the time allocated for personal practice more effectively and how to develop good practice habits. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching at the age of 17 years old and started a strings program with the founder of Akoustikos. I began teaching the Suzuki method and I love to hold group lessons as it encourages and fosters healthy growth. Since then, I have taught all over Pennsylvania and extensively studied different teaching methods to build a flexible program that is best for the student! I also love to transcribe music that student's love because it has many benefits including fun! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Before anything, I find out what the goal of the lesson is. I always want to know what the students want, so I can plan around them. The lesson will always be about the student! After discussing the goal of the lesson, we will find repertoire, etudes, or other materials that either benefit the student technically, or will simply be enjoyable to the student. Since the goal of the student can either be anything, including playing professional recitals, or simply playing a Taylor Swift song from the radio, my priority will be that the student is enjoying their craft. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I was first introduced to viola through the Suzuki method, and so I am extremely familiar and comfortable with that method and have mostly taught that method as well. If the student is in school, as mentioned above, I will usually start by seeing what they need to learn and have been doing/learning there, and work from that point. For students more advanced or wanting to learn outside of the Suzuki method, I have many "starter" books at my home that I am happy to teach from for learning notes, rhythms, and other short songs, and will suggest etude books and scale books, such as Carl Flesch. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

This pedagogy uses the Suzuki repertoire but can also be used with other books. The Suzuki (Japanese) method is one of the most popular in the US. This method establishes strong musical and technical fundamentals. Other methods lead to similar results and can be just as enjoyable and interesting. Some examples are Robert Trorys (British) books or The Sassmannhaus Tradition (German). For older children and adults, I choose appropriate repertoire based on their musical interests, while still focusing on technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In the beginning, students will see more progress than they will later on. After progressing past the basics, they will begin to synthesize information from lessons and experience to solve unique problems to keep growing musically. Rarely will a teacher have the precise answer for specific "blockade," but I will always provide great insights and ideas that can be very useful to overcome your practice barriers. This process of info synthesis is delicate and time consuming, but it is the most vital part of the learning process. Read More