Viola Lessons in Jarrettown, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy is a product of the centuries tested methods of great violinists and violists and their descendent students. Those I have studied with and performed for include all four members of the Ying Quartet, C.J. Chang, Catherine Caroll, Nokothula Ngwenyama, and Roberto Diaz. Centering around the most simple and effortless playing techniques, my style of teaching is designed to facilitate the fastest route to excellence and the development of the student's own personal style and musical ideas. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I feel that nothing is more rewarding than seeing that my student has learned something and from that, develops a passion for music. I try to keep each student's progress at their own pace by setting and keeping realistic goals for my students at their lessons. I am very positive during lessons, because I feel that acknowledging any accomplishment helps keep the student interested and fuels a desire to continue to get better. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have complemented my music education by performing continuously over the last 20 years, including many cities and stages around the world, from my early years in junior ensembles to The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Symphony in C orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and the iPalpiti chamber orchestra of international laureates. Probably my greatest blessing and professional accomplishment is being invited to perform as the soloist as well as a chamber and orchestra musician at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall (NYC), Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater (CA), Kimmel Center (Philadelphia PA), Walt Disney Hall (Los Angeles CA), John F. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students I start with Suzuki books until about book 5 and then begin to branch out into other repertoire.  I teach students to read music as well as basic theory. I also incorporate playing by ear and improvisation. These are important skills which help students develop into flexible and well rounded musicians.   Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More