Viola Lessons in East Elmhurst, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

This pedagogy uses the Suzuki repertoire but can also be used with other books. The Suzuki (Japanese) method is one of the most popular in the US. This method establishes strong musical and technical fundamentals. Other methods lead to similar results and can be just as enjoyable and interesting. Some examples are Robert Trorys (British) books or The Sassmannhaus Tradition (German). For older children and adults, I choose appropriate repertoire based on their musical interests, while still focusing on technique. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Before anything, I find out what the goal of the lesson is. I always want to know what the students want, so I can plan around them. The lesson will always be about the student! After discussing the goal of the lesson, we will find repertoire, etudes, or other materials that either benefit the student technically, or will simply be enjoyable to the student. Since the goal of the student can either be anything, including playing professional recitals, or simply playing a Taylor Swift song from the radio, my priority will be that the student is enjoying their craft. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

I consider myself a Suzuki Teacher, but I supplement the method with other books, pieces and methods depending on the age, level, needs and interests of each student. For most of my students, I use Artistry in Strings, I Can Read Music, Introducing the Positions, Wolfhart, and more in addition to Suzuki. As a teenager I formed a strong interest in alternative styles besides classical and learned pieces from many genres including pop, rock, electronic, and show tunes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

You cannot expect to learn a music skill and be able to use it without practice. This is like a marathon runner who cannot expect to run far without training. Much of the frustration students find when it comes to improvement comes from the misunderstanding that something learned in music stays learned. I find it more more accurate to say you train your music skills, rather than learn them. Without the dedication of consistent practice what's learned becomes unlearned. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with introducing into base elements of music theory. From that point I try to determine the level of perception of music and coordination of movements with the instrument by the student. After determining the level of perception, I begin to develop an individual training program for each student. Thus, I select the optimal learning conditions and productivity of classes with my students, depending on their individual qualities. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More