Viola Lessons in Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I began violin in 5th grade, and that started me down a path committed towards music teaching and learning. I had participated in every musical curricular and extracurricular offering- from Orchestra and Music Theory to Chamber Choir and Pit Orchestra. I attended the State University of New York at Fredonia, where I began a rigorous but rewarding course of study and continued to perform on viola at a high level, as well as learn cello, bass, piano, and various other instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have extensive experience as a private teacher (25+ years). I teach cello, violin/viola, and piano and have taught students ages 5-65. I also have prepared students for specialized middle school and high school auditions, pre-college programs, and other auditions. In addition to private teaching, currently, I teach group string classes in Harmony Program NYC. Since I play the piano I'm often the accompanist for my students' recitals. My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

My job is of upmost importance; to teach, but also to learn. As an educator I am responsible for encouraging growth and delivering material as efficiently as possible while maintaining a realistic sense of what is achievable. However, it is also my job to learn from the student and be able to adapt and grow to new situations. Not every student progresses at the same rate, but I keep my expectations and spirits high to push students to want to keep learning and working hard to accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I can teach various genres of music, my musical personal favorite is classical, which had great influence on my style of playing. I love music because it has always been my passion and driving force in my life. I teach music because it's not only an essential subject in academics, but also provides students with a creative outlet to express themselves and create meaningful connections with others in an orchestral setting. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

As a teacher, I bring with me over 13 years of experience working with violinists ranging from young beginners to advanced, conservatory-level musicians. I am passionate about pedagogy and foster a fun, productive, and confidence-building lesson environment that is tailored to each students individual learning style and goals. I have created my own personalized curriculum from violin schools including the Suzuki Method and Mimi Zweig, as well as that of my mentor, the renowned violin pedagogue Shirley Givens. 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 Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More