Viola Lessons in East Canaan, CT

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Through my studio, I have taught voice, beginner violin and viola, music ensembles, music management, production, music publishing and audio engineering. I have also worked as a live sound technician for several CT venues. I currently perform in the ensemble, Ulterior Motif in the styles of neoclassical, gypsy jazz, contemporary and world music. My compositions have been published with the Discovery Channel, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, in independent films, and in a variety of television marketing campaigns throughout the United Kingdom. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, i can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My goal is to make the student as independent of the teacher as possible. For this I help them form a foundation on which they can build for years to come. I teach reading music as well as playing by ear (a wonderful skill rarely taught on the piano). I teach my piano students music theory in the context of playing by ear, so they get an experiential idea of how music is made, including improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

This teaches the student to be prepared, confident and expressive in their playing. There is a special bond that takes place when playing chamber music. They have to be certain in what they are playing and communicate with other musicians what they are trying to get across and portray in any particular piece. This is important even in the young students after they have learned and feel comfortable with the basic technique of their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin since my undergraduate days at The University of Connecticut, in their celebrated Suzuki Pedagogi program. From there on to the Hartt School and ever since, with a private studio in my home for 20 years and instructing and designing string programs in the Greater Hartford Area including the Hatford Public School System and Hartford Conservatory also within the East Hartford and Glastonbury school systems. While inviting innovation, my teaching philosophy is steeped in the traditional values of focus and dedication, for which there are no substitutes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Olivia Van Mater (most know as Olivia Moaddel) currently works as the Assistant Director of the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division. She will be working as both the Assistant Director and the Violin Professor at the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Summer Camp in July of 2024. She has been playing violin for 24 years and has studied extensively with renowned performers and teachers Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Yehonatan Berick, Katie Lansdale, Ronald Copes, Lucie Robert, David Kim, and many more. Read More