Viola Lessons in Lake Grove, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

I believe that a judgement-free, cooperative lesson atmosphere is crucial to a student's success! Violinists and violists are often taught according to a traditional teaching method that is too rigid and outdated. In contrast, I design my lessons to fit each of my students' individual artistic goals, and encourage students to ask questions. I usually make a list of areas of focus for each lesson, and encourage my students to keep a practice journal. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ibelieveeveryonehasthepotentialtobeagreatmusician,itisjustamatterofdisciplineandfocus.Whilepracticingisdefinitelyimportant,itisn'taboutjustspendingtimewithyourinstrument,itisaboutpracticingthecorrectway.BypracticingthecorrectwayIamreferringtopropertechnique,breakingdowndifferentaspectofyourplaying(bowarm,lefthand,etc),andsettinggoalsforyourpractice.Iencouragemystudentstostartexperiencethejoysofperformingevenattheverybeginningandworktofindsolorepertoirethatisaccessibleandalsofun.MusichasbroughtmesomuchjoyandasateacherItrytofindwaysformystudentstoexperiencetheexcitmentthatplayingmusicoffers Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have taught a range of students from kids to teenagers to adults on violin, viola, piano, and drums. I have taught at churches, summer camps, colleges, student homes, and schools. I have taught a variety of genres, but classical music is certainly my forte. I currently teach at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, NY, where I also teach students after school as well, so I have a surplus of experience working with students of varying ages in a professional and nonprofessional environment. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

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 student's 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: Piano Violin Cello Viola

After each lesson, I wrote down their homework, and if a parent is there, I go over their progress. If it's an adult student, I obviously don't have to do that, but I enjoy all ages, and have students 4-82 currently! I even go to teach my 82 year old student, at her assisted living place! The difference between a kid and an adult student, is usually, that the child notices the correctly notes, while the adult thinks they had to be 7 to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

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. 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. Read More