Music Lessons in Boylston, MA

Instruments: Violin

My teaching experience goes back as far as high school when I started volunteering to teach violin lessons to younger students. In my college years, I taught as part of Oberlin Conservatory's secondary lessons program in addition to teaching members of the Oberlin community of different ages and levels. Currently, I maintain private studios in multiple locations as an addition to my Musika students. My teaching experience as a violin instructor and educator has given me the chance to grow through my students' achievements and has transformed my life in a positive way. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe patience and versatility are very important, as each student learns a different way. I set goals for each lesson and try to guide the student during the lesson into achieving them. Sometimes the goals are achieved during the lesson, and sometimes while practicing on hteir own time. I don't believe in achieving "perfection", but rather developing a solid understanding and connection with the piece, which is accomplished through putting in hard work and effort.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet

Music has always been a passion of mine ever since I could remember. My fathers old cornet constantly taunted me, telling me to play it. Fast Forward 12 years, I went to Berklee College of Music to study Trumpet Performance. I am a consumate learner, testing my knowledge in many different disciplines of music, from composition to instruments I have never played. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn

Pulling from his diverse experience as a freelance trumpet player having performed with local orchestras including the Concord Symphony, Indian Hill Pops Orchestra, Neponset Valley Brass Quintet and the Brookline Symphony, Chris is able to adapt his teaching to suite the needs of each student, empowering them to set and achieve individualized goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

I began my music education at the age of 8 in Boston, along with my siblings and mother. I chose violin, studied at the South End Music Center, and relied on my time with violin as a constant in an otherwise turbulent young life. During the early 1970's I submerged myself in the rich folk scene of Cambridge, MA, playing fiddle and backup violin and sharing the stage with numerous bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

If, however, a student does not practice, I try to work with them in a positive manner to see if we can get to the root of the issue. I do not take a 'lecture style' approach as I find a lack of practice often has more to do with their fear than anything else. If I can help a student address their fears and help work them through it, more often than that this is what helps them move forward with their practice habits. Read More