Viola Lessons in Devault, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I received my Bachelor's in Performance from Eastman School of Music. Shortly thereafter I joined the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. In Boise, I taught privately as well as at Boise State University. In addition to instrumental lessons, I taught classes in music theory, aural skills, and chamber music. Recently, I performed with the Symphony No. One chamber orchestra in Baltimore, premiering new works written for the ensemble. Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to perform across the United States and in Europe. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in various studios since then. 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. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For my string students learning violin, viola or cello I typically use the Suzuki method books. There are times that I might recommend the Essential Elements series for those who are just starting off, but at some point I switch the student over to Suzuki. Another supplemental book I encourage my students to get when they get to a certain level is Essentials for Strings. This is primarily a scale book, but it also contains a number of other helpful exercises and resources. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My passion for teaching has been a big part of my career. I have been teaching violin since 2011- providing individual and group instrumental lessons in music schools and serving as an adjunct faculty (Artist-in-Residence position) of performance studies (solo and chamber) at Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University. These have provided me considerable experience teaching one on one and classroom settings discovering and enhancing their innate knowledge through an individual approach to each student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I first began teaching in high school, where I would tutor the younger middle school students. As my education progressed, so did my teaching experience. I attended American University, where I received my bachelor's degree in music performance, and then continued to study at Northwestern University, where I received my master's degree. After graduating, I started working at an El Sistema inspired program, called Sistema Ravinia in Chicago, where I was one of the first teachers. Read More