Viola Lessons in Bayside, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is heavily student focused: By listening to my student's voice and choice, I want to work together to create musical goals for them that we can develop as we progress. While I believe in creating a learning environment focused on intrinsic motivation, I hope my positive attitude and love for music can serve as a source of inspiration for my students! The most important aspect of any lesson is the joy that we bring to it, which is crucial to us developing musical skills and beautiful music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

In 1994 Oleg Rutkovsky immigrated to USA and settled in Fort Lee, NJ. He made his American debut recital in Memphis, TN in 1995. Since 1994 he performed with such orchestras as New Jersey Symphony, Albany Symphony, New York Virtuosi Chamber Symphony, New Philharmonic of New Jersey, Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, Bachanalia Chamber Ensemble and appeared in a few Broadway productions such "Ragtime" and "Music Man". In 1996, Oleg was invited to perform with the Houston Festival Orchestra as Concertmaster under the the button of Maxim Shostakovich, son of the the great Russian composer, Dmitry Shostakovich. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

I believe that a judgement-free, cooperative lesson atmosphere is crucial to a student's success! Violinists and violists are often taught according to a traditional teaching method that is too rigid and outdated. In contrast, I design my lessons to fit each of my students' individual artistic goals, and encourage students to ask questions. I usually make a list of areas of focus for each lesson, and encourage my students to keep a practice journal. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More