Viola Lessons in Hawthorne, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

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: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I began teaching during high school as a supervised intern observing and teaching both small groups of orchestra students and private lessons. Since then, I've gained independence and have taught students in a variety of settings, both individual and group, and to ages ranging from young beginner to adults. Self growth and striving for self improvement is an important tenet of my teaching, and I encourage it in both my students and myself. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I love to help each student reach their own individual creative potential.  I give them a good foundation in technique, form, ear traning, and artistic expression, but encourage them to find a piece of music or a musical style that they enjoy to pursue and make sure to save time in each lesson to work on that material.  In terms of developing technique and musical skills, I am very detail-oriented and have clear lesson plans for each class, which I outline in each student's individual lesson notebook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For young piano students, I useJohn Thompson's Easiest Piano Course and A Dozen a Day. For adults, I like to useAlfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for a lesson book. I use various books for additional songs or technique depending upon a student's interests and abilities. I like to use different types of music - classical, traditional, pop, modern, etc. For strings, I like to use String Builder, Suzuki, and other method and etude books. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I encourage students to perform as frequently as possible, and am happy to create recital opportunities within my studio. Read More

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