Viola Lessons in Norfolk, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Olivia Van Mater (most know as Olivia Moaddel) currently works as the Assistant Director of the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division. She will be working as both the Assistant Director and the Violin Professor at the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Summer Camp in July of 2024. She has been playing violin for 24 years and has studied extensively with renowned performers and teachers Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Yehonatan Berick, Katie Lansdale, Ronald Copes, Lucie Robert, David Kim, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

In voice, I let my students' goals guide their lessons. Whether it be stage performance, studio recording or personal satisfaction, I will use a variety of techniques to help them reach their individual goals. In violin and viola, I teach the Suzuki method combined with some contemporary and fun improvisation. I teach theory, but also how to communicate with musicians in general. I am a huge fan of the electric violin/fiddle and am comfortable teaching tecniques and about the equipment needed to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching experience started when I was in high school. A lot of children in my neighborhood wanted to learn violin and piano, I suddenly became the neighborhood teacher at just 17! After college I continued teaching privately. I have also taught in public and privet schools. My main passion in teaching is to help ANYONE who wants the gift of playing an instrument. What a thrill it is to see the smile on my students faces when they get on stage and enjoy playing their solo in a recital, or watching my students play in an orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I try to make lessons as fun, enjoyable, and encouraging as I possibly can for the student! Music is something that I have been passionate and serious about since I was very young, so I love to see and encourage that kind of spirit in my students. I like to create weekly goals specific to each student, good daily practice habits, performance opportunities, and an engaging learning environment for my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

MyteachingexpiencebeganinformallywhenIwasinmiddleschoolinChinahelpingelementaryschoolstudentspracticeandworkontheirtechnique.MyformalteachingexperiencebeganwhenIwasajuniorincollegeandbeganworkingasaprofessionalteacherontheweekend.Ialwaystrytomakemylessonsfunandfocusonthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splaying.Ihavehadtheopportunitytostudywithworld-classsoloistsandmemebersoftheprestigiousorchestrasandIalwaystrytopassonthewordsofwisdomthattheseteachershavegivenme.Iencouragemystudentstofocusontraditionalgoalssuchascompetitionsandfestivals,butalsopursuepopularmusicandnon-classicalmusic.IhavesuccessfullytaughtstudentsofanyageandIamalsoexcitedtoworkwithnewstudentsandhelpthemdiscovertheirfullmusicalability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More