Viola Lessons in East Setauket, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

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: 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: Piano Violin Viola

I have been teaching for close to 30 years and enjoy the challenge of working with students of all ages, levels, strengths, and styles. I have taught violin, music theory, chamber music, and repertoire throughout my career. Previous faculty positions include San Jose String Academy, Sierra Music Academy, Texas Christian University Preparatory Division Extended Education, and New Jersey Music School. As a chamber musician, I served for four years as first violinist of the Greystone String Quartet and collaborated with Anna Kruger, founding violist of the Lark Quartet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

I believe in teaching future string musicians there is only one way to make the best sound and teaching how to do this from the beginning. I want the students to understand how their instrument works by demystifying the mechanics. Once the student knows how to use the instrument, they can then discover the music and their voice in the music. For string instruments, I use the Suzuki books and Artistry in Strings method. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I also encourage my students to memorize each piece of music. For the grade-school students, this can help them build the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in the classroom outside of music. Music education can be useful in all areas of one's life. Performance: I've been performing with the violin for nearly 20 years. I've played with the Hershey Symphony, Penn State's Philharmonic Orchestra, various chamber groups, and many types of bands across a large variety of genres. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My approach to teaching is to share my love for music with my students. I will allow students to go at their own pace, and set realistic goals and expectations. I like to focus on intonation heavily, as anything other than excellent intonation is not good playing, in the words of a former instructor. I also encourage creative expression in my students, and will often ask them to try different methods of playing a single phrase in order to increase the depth of their musicality. Read More