Viola Lessons in Briarcliff Manor, NY

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 Viola

I began teaching lessons part time five years ago when I was an undergraduate. I have worked with all ages, from young students to teenagers to adult learners. I also have experience coaching small ensembles at summer string camps. I love to give my students opportunities to play music together and for each other. When I was taking lessons as a young student, I found that the community that my teacher fostered at his studio by holding recitals, weekly group classes and holiday events was just as important to my improvement as my one-on-one time with my teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have extensive experience as a private teacher (25+ years). I teach cello, violin/viola, and piano and have taught students ages 5-65. I also have prepared students for specialized middle school and high school auditions, pre-college programs, and other auditions. In addition to private teaching, currently, I teach group string classes in Harmony Program NYC. Since I play the piano I'm often the accompanist for my students' recitals. My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For younger students I like to give them weekly practice charts so they can see how much work they're putting in. If they complete enough practice charts, they get a reward. I find this is very helpful in the beginning stages of learning for younger musicians. For older students, I really nudge them to take auditions for a higher seat at school, or depending on how serious they are for youth orchestras and summer programs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners who are children, I start with the essential Suzuki method which includes a focus on musical listening imitation, parental involvement (at very young ages) and creating an effortless technique. The Suzuki books are great in that they provide a great foundation and an extremely logical progression for taking students from complete beginners to an advanced level. For advanced students, we can branch out into a wide variety of classical concertos or other repertoire (this happens around Suzuki book 6) I love to teach adults, and I try to structure my teaching in accordance with adult students' goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching music for over 15 years as a private teacher and also a class violin instructor and orchestra director.  I have also served for many years as an adjudicator for Massachussetts All State Orchestras. Currently, I have an active private studio and teach 4 days a week at a public school in Brooklyn, leading a string orchestra there and teaching group violin, viola, and cello classes.  There are about 300 students in my program. Read More