Viola Lessons in Lewisboro, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

Hello Musika community! I am a cellist and music educator based in Brooklyn, NY. I've been running my own private teaching studio of cello, piano and violin students since graduating with my Masters degree in cello performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2005. I’ve learned over the years how to communicate effectively with both students and parents. Highlights have always been our annual recital, our various community-service concerts and ensemble recitals with other local private teaching artists. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

When working with younger children, I typically begin with the Suzuki method in order to establish strong musical and technical fundamentals. The Suzuki curriculum is also popular across many music programs in New York, so it provides beginning violinists an opportunity to play music with their peers. For adolescents and adults, I place an earlier emphasis on designing a curriculum based on their musical interests, with equal focus devoted to technique. Read More

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 Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching style is all about getting the student to love music! There is nothing else that will be a greater and more honest motivator than loving what they are doing. Singing, games and dancing are great when the little ones get distracted or discouraged. I make sure to let everyone know that music isn't easy; it's hard and takes a lot of hard work and practice. But it is worth every minute of being able to play anything you desire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter festivals, camps and performing events as well as work on their own composing, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

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

Instruments: Violin Viola

The best part about teaching is seeing students grow as musicians and develop their own musical style and instincts. I try to teach in a way that highlights how, often, improvements can be made instantly, but on the other side, how hard work and diligent practice lead to growth over time. While learning violin or viola, students should be physically comfortable (because the instrument is very awkward at first!), and they should feel able to ask questions and receive expert explanations. Read More