Viola Lessons in Benson, MD

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

On strings I teach a modified Suzuki method, supplementing pieces of a student-requested style at technical benchmarks. Again, connection to music is critical and one of the ways to gain that is through personal involvement in lesson directions. For children, I teach piano from the Bastien method, whereas adults go with Alfred's All-In-One Course. Voice students will gain foundation through classical training and branch into other styles as they are ready. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with violin method book, Essential Elements for Strings to learn the good basics and reading the notes and where to find those notes they just learned on the fingerboard. I also introduce the Suzuki Violin School volume 1 to learn the major songs written for the violin and simply to play more songs than the scales and exercises. For students who are more advanced, I help them their school orchestra music and make sure they are doing very well on top of the class in addition to continuing with the private lesson music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My experience spans a rich tapestry of teaching roles that have allowed me to engage with students across various age groups and backgrounds. I've conducted masterclasses at esteemed institutions like the University of Northern Iowa and Towson University, instilling my passion for the violin and music education in young minds. My dedication to chamber music extends beyond performance, as I take on the role of Chamber Strings Coordinator and Coach at the Leon Fleisher Academy, overseeing curriculum design, repertoire selection, and fostering musical growth in chamber settings. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginnig students who are children I typically start with a lesson book.As soon as they are comfortable on their instruments, I introduce the pieces for their first performance. For older students Ifollow their interests tohave them play the songs that they enjoy. I also specialize in working with young children and on Suzuki Method teaching for piano, violin, viola and cello. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My main goal is to create a positive, productive and enjoyable learning experience for my students. In my lessons, I am helping my students to learn not only the particular technique or element but some aspects of music history as well as composers' background and important facts about musical styles. Each semester I have a recital for my students where they can share their progress and excitement about the lessons and music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My beginning students usually start with the Suzuki method. However, if a student is using a different book with their school music teacher, I always try to incorporate that book in my student's private lessons. In addition, I ask students what they are interested in playing, to give the student a sense of ownership and signifigance in their progress. With adults I am more open to suggestions and requests, basing their lessons more on their interest as well as their progress. Read More