Viola Lessons in Ardsley, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I value my ability to tailor lessons and my curriculum to the particular needs and goals of each individual student. I truly believe that there is not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to learning the violin! I have created my own combination of sequential exercises and repertoire selections, using influences from pedagogues that I have studied under, including Shirley Givens, Bettina Mussumeli, and Elizabeth Faidley, and major pedagogy styles including that of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I create custom lesson plans for each student based on their level, interests and goals. Typically I start brand new beginners with the basics, learning the parts of the instruments and the notes. Being a very visual learner myself, I enjoy using method books such as the Sassmannshaus series, as they are beautifully illustrated and help to capture and hold young children's attention. In addition to teaching scales and technique, I like to bring in songs that the students enjoy to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning or young students (under age 8), music-related games are incorporated into lessons to encourage positive growth, rather than thinking of playing an instrument as a "chore". Small assignments are expected to be completed weekly, so that the child feels a sense of accomplishment and progress. For older or more advanced students, lessons are structured by a regimen of scales, exercises, and classical pieces. If the student so chooses, classical pieces can be exchanged for pop or contemporary music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I'm a passionate, motivated teacher who loves with students of all ability levels and trying to encourage a love of music in my students. I am currently working towards a BM double degree in Music Education and Violin Performance at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. I've had the opportunity to play all over the world through my youth orchestra and I have had even greater opportunites through my college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

Since graduating with my Masters in Cello Performance in 2005 from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I have been consistently teaching. Most of my teaching for the past 13 years has been going to students' homes. I also encourage the students to participate in yearly recitals and local community engagements throughout the year. This way the students are sharing their gifts and hard work with the community that supports them. I am also proud of my work with the DC Youth Symphony Orchestra Program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

However, I do not teach the Suzuki method. I use the book for the songs and exercises in the book. I also like all students to work from a theory book. When we learn how to speak, we also learn how to read and write in our language. I believe that the same is important for music. I use different books for adults and children. As for continuing students, I will see what they know and continue from there. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I love to help each student reach their own individual creative potential.  I give them a good foundation in technique, form, ear traning, and artistic expression, but encourage them to find a piece of music or a musical style that they enjoy to pursue and make sure to save time in each lesson to work on that material.  In terms of developing technique and musical skills, I am very detail-oriented and have clear lesson plans for each class, which I outline in each student's individual lesson notebook. Read More