Viola Lessons in Gaithersburg, MD

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My goal is to show students the joy and benefit of music in our everyday lives. To enjoy your own music, you have to practice. Nothing is important than practice. Practice! Practice! Practice! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. To achieve certain progress, I always give some homework for practice and encourage to do it. Especially younger students, I encourage their parents check homework together. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I firmly believe that music education extends beyond the technicalities, encompassing creativity and self-expression. My journey has taken me from Shanghai, China, to various parts of the world, including Germany and Taiwan, enriching my teaching repertoire and enhancing my ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. It's a pleasure to be part of the Musika community, and I'm eager to welcome new students of all ages on this melodious journey of music discovery. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My experience spans a rich tapestry of teaching roles that have allowed me to engage with students across various age groups and backgrounds. I've conducted masterclasses at esteemed institutions like the University of Northern Iowa and Towson University, instilling my passion for the violin and music education in young minds. My dedication to chamber music extends beyond performance, as I take on the role of Chamber Strings Coordinator and Coach at the Leon Fleisher Academy, overseeing curriculum design, repertoire selection, and fostering musical growth in chamber settings. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with violin method book, Essential Elements for Strings to learn the good basics and reading the notes and where to find those notes they just learned on the fingerboard. I also introduce the Suzuki Violin School volume 1 to learn the major songs written for the violin and simply to play more songs than the scales and exercises. For students who are more advanced, I help them their school orchestra music and make sure they are doing very well on top of the class in addition to continuing with the private lesson music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

My teaching style is enthusiastic and caring. I believe that the best way to encourage students to practice is to teach music that they want to play, to have them perform, to challenge them with beautiful music and to use technology to support practicing. "Natasha is really a superb teacher. She has wonderful rapport with my children and is very patient. My daughter and son have progressed tremendously in a short period, and more importantly enjoy their lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In my teaching method, I am creating a custom plan for every single student. With beginner students, I am starting from the fundamentals and using books: Essential Elements, Suzuki Book 12, one and two octaves scales and etudes by Kreutzer, Wohlfahrt, and Mazas. For all of my students, I am always trying to find the repertoire that they would enjoy to practice. I encourage my students to share what style or particular piece they like and help them to find the right edition or arrangement and learn it. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More