Viola Lessons in Maywood, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For young piano students, I useJohn Thompson's Easiest Piano Course and A Dozen a Day. For adults, I like to useAlfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for a lesson book. I use various books for additional songs or technique depending upon a student's interests and abilities. I like to use different types of music - classical, traditional, pop, modern, etc. For strings, I like to use String Builder, Suzuki, and other method and etude books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

My job is of upmost importance; to teach, but also to learn. As an educator I am responsible for encouraging growth and delivering material as efficiently as possible while maintaining a realistic sense of what is achievable. However, it is also my job to learn from the student and be able to adapt and grow to new situations. Not every student progresses at the same rate, but I keep my expectations and spirits high to push students to want to keep learning and working hard to accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My private teaching career began in high school, where I was asked by the music teachers in my school district in Westchester, New York to assist in preparing middle- and elementary school students for local competitions and festivals (such as NYSSMA). During college, I was able to maintain a private studio and was fortunate enough to spend summers assistant teaching at music festivals. Currently I teach in a number of music schools in and around New York City, and serve as Adjunct Instructor of Viola and Violin at New York University to undergraduate students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I use the Essential Elements book 1. This book introduces the student to the instrument in the most practical way while making it fun, and it has the student reading music from the beginning, which I find very important. After this, we go on to Suzuki book 2 and a scale book. Then we move our way through the Suzuki books and start to incorporate more complex scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching style is very organized, structured, but also with a creative approach. I believe in having fun while learning, but I do hold young artists accountable to accomplishing their weekly assignments/goals. My style has been developed over three decades, and I tailor my approach by getting to know each student individually. I take time to observe and understand the student's thinking style, learning style, method of communication, strengths, weaknesses, and motivation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

This teaches the student to be prepared, confident and expressive in their playing. There is a special bond that takes place when playing chamber music. They have to be certain in what they are playing and communicate with other musicians what they are trying to get across and portray in any particular piece. This is important even in the young students after they have learned and feel comfortable with the basic technique of their instrument. Read More