Viola Lessons in Cresskill, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola

My method is basically laid out in the following format. While I try to adhere to this, everyone is different and I do tailor the lesson to the individual. 1) Technics 2) Lesson Books 3) Etudes 4) Solo piece 5) Accompanied piece. To learnapplied musicissomething thatanyone can and should do, andthere should be no discrimination whereage or individual ability are concerned. Itis one of the things most people are either very grateful to have learned, or something they universally regret not learning in life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In the beginning, students will see more progress than they will later on. After progressing past the basics, they will begin to synthesize information from lessons and experience to solve unique problems to keep growing musically. Rarely will a teacher have the precise answer for specific "blockade," but I will always provide great insights and ideas that can be very useful to overcome your practice barriers. This process of info synthesis is delicate and time consuming, but it is the most vital part of the learning process. 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

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 Viola

I believe in the importance of holistic music pedagogy for students at every level. Musicianship requires technical proficiency, music theory training, music history study, and creativity. I prefer to craft unique courses of study for each of my students rather than using popular, one-size-fits-all approaches, such as the Suzuki Method. Though many of these methods have valuable pedagogical insights, I hope my students can have a deep engagement with music, art and creativity that goes beyond technical mastery, a goal that requires a greater flexibility than such methods provide. Read More