Viola Lessons in Leicester, MA

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My biggest goal as a teacher is to help my students develop and nourish a love of music. I believe that positive reinforcement and clear, concise instruction are essential to helping students achieve success. It is vital that during each lesson students not only expand their playing abilities, but also their confidence. I want to foster an environment where students feel comfortable experimenting, asking questions, and sharing their own ideas. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe that it is important to take the time to get to know each student's needs and to set realistic goals that will set them up for long-term success. By paying attention to what inspires the student and how they take in information most effectively, I can successfully tailor my instruction. I am a fairly laid back person, and understand that my students have wide-ranging activities and priorities. I will always find a way to use the lesson time effectively regardless of the level of preparation that a student is able to commit to in a given week. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I teach students of all levels including adult students. I am a traditional teacher in that I focus on laying a secure foundation to prevent any unnatural habits from blocking the students progress in the future and helping the student become completely independent of the teacher. The student learns the skills necessary to teach themselves. I use a structured approach that involves a set of criteria that the student memorizes and is able to use as a checklist of issues to watch out for when practicing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Methods will be by case to case basis. Children with be asked to purchase the John Thomson Piano Book series as we first dive into reading music notation, learn our Keys, and begin basic music history. If parents are interested I suggest learning alongside children to help with weekly practice. Adults will be depending on resources and goals - What makes you want to take lessons? - Who and what inspired you to do it -What genre are you looking to play *Classical Music ( My expertise) is a lot of fun but can be very demanding, I will not introduce this material unless requested* Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style is very flexible for many reasons. Each student progresses at their own pace along with possibly participating in ensembles such as their school orchestra, All-State auditions, and more. I take all of these into consideration to create realistic goals for the students. The realistic goals for each of my students usually are many short-term goals as well as one long-term goal for them to reach at the end of the year. Read More