Viola Lessons in Edgewater, NJ

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: Viola

I was first introduced to viola through the Suzuki method, and so I am extremely familiar and comfortable with that method and have mostly taught that method as well. If the student is in school, as mentioned above, I will usually start by seeing what they need to learn and have been doing/learning there, and work from that point. For students more advanced or wanting to learn outside of the Suzuki method, I have many "starter" books at my home that I am happy to teach from for learning notes, rhythms, and other short songs, and will suggest etude books and scale books, such as Carl Flesch. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

My teaching experiences includes: • Violin Teacher – The Children’s Storefront, Harlem, NYC, and Harmony Program, Washington Heights, NYC -Teaching group violin lessons and music theory to elementary and middle school students. • String Coach – Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division Orchestra, New York, NY -Developing students’ string and ensemble skills in orchestra • Private Studio Teaching — In-person and online -Teaching private in-person and virtual violin, viola, and piano lessons to students Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. 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: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Since then I have been employed at over 4 different studios, and I still teach privately. It is my main source of income and my life's passion. I encourage all of my students to pursue performance opportunities, anything from playing for family in the basement to big recitals with huge crowds. Performing and sharing art is one of the best parts of being a musician, and it isn't nearly emphasized enough in many schools of educational thought. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience is quite varied. I've taught young children as a member of Mimi Zweig's pedagogy classes, and I currently teach group classes to 3rd-5th graders here in NYC. I've taught chamber music to teenagers in Indiana University's Summer String Academy and to adult learners in Montreal. I encourage regular practice and strong fundamentals, but I also sincerely think that although there are many ways to teach and to learn, the best ways always are enjoyable. Read More