Viola Lessons in Kensington, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

For younger students I like to give them weekly practice charts so they can see how much work they're putting in. If they complete enough practice charts, they get a reward. I find this is very helpful in the beginning stages of learning for younger musicians. For older students, I really nudge them to take auditions for a higher seat at school, or depending on how serious they are for youth orchestras and summer programs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

Teaching has been my profession since before my college days, when I begun by teaching guitar lessons to classmates. Since college, it has been my primary occupation. I lead by example as a musician, and I encourage regular quality practice and cultivate an attitude of discipline and a drive to greatness. A cross-discipline in music is my primary approach to teaching, and I make a point of educating my students in how to communicate with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to make learning an instrument an enjoyable experience and allow students to progress at their own pace.  I also introduce them to different styles of music such as classical, folk, Broadway musicals as well as popular songs.  In addition, I teach students new skills and techniques to enhance their playing abilities. I encourage my students to practice, ask questions about the music and how it should be played with respect to the technique and expression required to perform a piece of music effectively. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard

I have been teaching regularly since my college days. I started as a piano teacher, but quickly expanded into stringed instrument. Right now I teach at home, in my own studio, my student's homes, and in couple local schools as a music director and teacher. I prepare y students not only how to play, but also how to become self starting artists able to read and play. I organize yearly recitals where all of my students can show their skills. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I love nothing more than to see a student come into or leave their lesson beaming with a sense of pride and self-accomplishment. What that means to a student is as unique as they are. My beginner students may feel overjoyed to have learned their one-octave D major scale played pizzicato, my more experienced students could be proud to announce that they figured out a tricky passage on their own using skills they learned in a lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

You cannot expect to learn a music skill and be able to use it without practice. This is like a marathon runner who cannot expect to run far without training. Much of the frustration students find when it comes to improvement comes from the misunderstanding that something learned in music stays learned. I find it more more accurate to say you train your music skills, rather than learn them. Without the dedication of consistent practice what's learned becomes unlearned. 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