Viola Lessons in Westwood, NJ

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Every student is different; therefore there is no one method or strategy that will work universally. I create tailored lesson plans for each student taking into account age, experience, personality and learning style. Lessons can include ear training, music history, harmony, sight reading and improvisation depending on the level and goal of the student. When working with young children, I typically use games and activities and follow Mimi Zweigs principle of violin teaching, which is based on natural physical motions nurtured in a non-judgmental environment. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

When working with younger children, I typically begin with the Suzuki method in order to establish strong musical and technical fundamentals. The Suzuki curriculum is also popular across many music programs in New York, so it provides beginning violinists an opportunity to play music with their peers. For adolescents and adults, I place an earlier emphasis on designing a curriculum based on their musical interests, with equal focus devoted to technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching privately since 1989, teaching piano and bass at 15 years old. Thirty years later I have become a multi-instrumentalist playing Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Latin Baby Bass, guitar, piano, synthesizer, keyboard and voice. I have a vast knowledge of classical and modern works and am comfortable transcribing modern compositions for my students. Music is my life and I teach with an infections optimism for all things music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I can teach various genres of music, my musical personal favorite is classical, which had great influence on my style of playing. I love music because it has always been my passion and driving force in my life. I teach music because it's not only an essential subject in academics, but also provides students with a creative outlet to express themselves and create meaningful connections with others in an orchestral setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter festivals, camps and performing events as well as work on their own composing, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More