Viola Lessons in Carroll Gardens, NY

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 am a classically trained pianist and violinist from Memphis, Tennessee. My first piano lessons were at the age of 6. I began my violin studies at age 10, and have been playing for 16 years. I have studied violin with Chun-Yu Chen, Joy Brown Wiener (concertmaster emeritus of the Memphis Symphony), and Domenic Salerni (first violin, Dali String Quartet). In 2015, I graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's in violin performance and an arts management certificate from the university business school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

I started teaching in high school, and I've been teaching consistently for the past 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! 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

I believe every student needs a comfortable, fun and non-judgmental environment to thrive. My main goal is to help them achieve their goals (passing exams, getting a scholarship, joining an orchestra, performing at school, playing their favorite pop songs at home, etc) and to enjoy the journey. I am easy-going and understanding but I expect all my students to practise from one lesson to the next and I always set clear and realistic goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I don't have a singular method because every student is different. At the beginning of my lessons with a new student we will begin getting to know each other. Then we try different things. Some students are naturals at imitating what they hear, so we play to those strengths. Other students are more comfortable with structure and math, so we take that route instead. What I find most important is being flexible. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Playing a string instrument is very difficult and for a student to really flourish as a musician requires that they develop confidence and discipline. I find that the relationship between a music student and teacher is one that develops skills for life, not just musical techniques. I feel very thankful to my own teachers for showing me how powerful my hard work and dedication was, how fun and exciting music can be, and most importantly that their criticisms of my playing always meant that they believed in me. Read More