Viola Lessons in George Washington, DC

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

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 Viola

My main goal is to create a positive, productive and enjoyable learning experience for my students. In my lessons, I am helping my students to learn not only the particular technique or element but some aspects of music history as well as composers' background and important facts about musical styles. Each semester I have a recital for my students where they can share their progress and excitement about the lessons and music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days in Toronto, where I started teaching privately. I started teaching part-time about 5 years ago, and have been consistently teaching since. I am fortunate that I get to work with a lot of young kids, and get to introduce them to the world of music and help them develop their passion early on. Teaching is a great source of energy for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

I dont have only one. It depends on the child or the adult. Someone might need Suzuki, some Essentials, some russian method(Radionov) and also music that they like! I try to be flexible and to understand whats best for them! Also I try to keep a balance between fun and dedication, for them to also be aware that music requires discipline even when you do it just as a hobby! 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: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing musical independence among my students. It is my goal that they can confidently approach a piece, making informed decisions about both technical and musical aspects. To facilitate this, I employ creative mnemonic techniques, transforming complex concepts into catchy and memorable phrases. By integrating multiple schools of music and violin playing, including Russian, French, and American traditions, I provide students with a holistic foundation. My approach blends technical exercises inherited from pedagogues like Ivan Galamian with interpretive insights gained from world-class musicians. Read More