Viola Lessons in Greenpoint, NY

Instruments: Viola

Mostly I just helped them with their pieces for orchestra and their group lessons at school, but during the summers I would often help them move along in their repertoire and give more of my own technical and musical input to expand upon what they had done in school all year. I currently frequent as a substitute viola teacher and chamber music coach for Karen Ritscher and other professors at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege division. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

In my lessons, I balance technique with musicality; though learning the violin requires discipline, I maintain a comfortable, friendly atmosphere while pushing pupils to achieve results. As a teacher I prioritize inspiration while providing structure for growth and flexibility to accommodate individual needs. This means setting realistic goals, regular practice routines, and acknowledging accomplishments, preferably in a recital or performance. I try to pass on my own passion for music while nurturing my students' interests in a safe environment that cultivates growth and progress. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My approach to teaching is to share my love for music with my students. I will allow students to go at their own pace, and set realistic goals and expectations. I like to focus on intonation heavily, as anything other than excellent intonation is not good playing, in the words of a former instructor. I also encourage creative expression in my students, and will often ask them to try different methods of playing a single phrase in order to increase the depth of their musicality. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I create custom lesson plans for each student based on their level, interests and goals. Typically I start brand new beginners with the basics, learning the parts of the instruments and the notes. Being a very visual learner myself, I enjoy using method books such as the Sassmannshaus series, as they are beautifully illustrated and help to capture and hold young children's attention. In addition to teaching scales and technique, I like to bring in songs that the students enjoy to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable. Read More