Viola Lessons in Lincoln Park, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I take the great things about the Suzuki Method and use them (fun, creativity, by-ear learning, group jams). Then I take the things I don't like about the method and disregard them (pre-established repetoire, no composition or improv). I teach kids how to concentrate, how to teach themselves, how to ignore distractions, and the philosophy for joyful performance without nervousness. The result has been that I have trained hundreds of children to have fun playing music well, plus four of my child students have become national acts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music Keyboard

I firmly believe that students are best served when their teacher knows and cares about them. This attitude toward teaching helps me to tailor instruction to students' needs rather than following a prescriptive method. I usually begin lessons with a brief, informal conversation where we discuss the student's week and talk about things that are important to them. A strong and appropriate student-teacher relationship is the bedrock for successful goal-setting, accountability, and, of course, fun in private lessons! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I try to introduce my students to different styles and genres of music. Their repertoire ranges from dances and songs to variations, concertos and sonatas. In order to be able to play such an array of genres, one requires what I like to call a "laboratory of skills". Scales, exercises and studies,played at the beginning of every lesson,are a way to develop the said "laboratory".While working with little kids I try to combine traditional and Suzuki methods.In order to insure that my lessons are both educational and entertaining I make my little students move,dance,clap and sing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I teach beginning students both by rote and through reading. We use standard Suzuki books for repertoire and method books such as Wohlfahrt, Mazaz, and Sevcik. Very young students begin on Sassmanshaus since it is very engaging as well as well written. However if there is a specific book a student wants to learn from (such as a book from school or a specific style such as country or fiddle) then I am more than willing to teach from that. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe in the "one thing" lesson. If a student can improve on just one thing in a lesson than that lesson was successful. My past students would probably say I am overall a nice guy but incredibly picky when it comes to perfecting a piece and hold each of my students to a very high standard. I try to give immediate and concrete feedback at all times and my students know to ask for clarification if they need to. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There really is no limit to which methods work for people. Every person learns their own way, and it is true that a variety of methods work for an individuals learning process. I enjoy employing all ways of experiencing music including playing by ear, reading sheet music, learning music theory and its practical applications, as well as playing with others and truly feeling what the music is wanting to say. Read More