Viola Lessons in Feasterville, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My serious musical training began in Russia at the Moscow State Academic Music College named after P.I Tchaikovsky. The eagerness and commitment to perfecting my craft both technically and artistically as a violinist coupled with my passion for promoting Azerbaijan, brought me to the United States of America where I earned my Doctorate degree in violin performance at Temple University (Philadelphia). My travel and performance experiences across Europe, Russia, Azerbaijan, and The United States of America have offered me first-hand exposure to meaningful opportunities to explore and learn a variety of genres and cultures from Azerbaijani Mugham and Russian folklore to western classical music and everything in between while learning from diverse people, cultures, and places. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

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 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: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I began teaching private lessons when I was a junior in high school and have been teaching since then. My philosophy is that any one can play an instrument with the proper instruction and patience. I encourage my students to practice regularly and strive to achieve their goals, but most importantly my goal is to help them to feel more confident and enjoy music, no matter what stage they are at in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy follows the belief that musical understanding and maturity are easier to discuss once the student is able to execute a variety of technical details. I often say that technique is teaching a student how to make ten shades of blue, but musicality is deciding which shade of blue to use. Musicality can be more subjective than technique, although there are certain guidelines for each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Read More