Viola Lessons in Mc Kees Rocks, PA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My favorite quote is: "All students have gifts, they just open their presents have different times."  I work with students where they are and at their pace.  I start beginners with Essential Elements 2000 for Strings.  As students progress I use Samuel Applebaum method books, traditional etudes like Wolfhardt and Sevick, Suzuki books and solo pieces as appropriate.  I teach Traditional Classical string instruction.  I will work to find pieces that students find interesting and keep my instruction engaging and fun for all of my students of all ages. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I follow the American String Teachers Association's curriculum for orchestra education as a guideline for the skills and techniques that students must develop. The skills are developmentally sequenced and build upon one another like a stack of blocks. In each of my lessons, I assess what students know and what students could practice, and together, we remediate and master each skill or technique. I also frequently ask for student input on what music we are playing and what the student's goals are in order to better tailor each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Music Acoustic Guitar

There is nothing more gratifying for me than seeing my students grow on their instruments, develop knowledge, and improve the way they play the violin. I try to encourage them as much as possible, and I try to make them feel committed to the practice of the instrument as a fun activity for them. I set realistic goals for the short and long term, based on their needs, that way they can accomplish those goals and see progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I believe that all students can achieve at a high musical level when they are encouraged and paired with a teacher with high expectations. The most successful students tend to be the ones that are taught by great educators that can elicit the hidden talents from their students. For this reason, it is important to find a music teacher that is passionate not only about teaching, but one who is also driven to pass-on a love of music to others. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I'm a passionate and motivated teacher who loves working with students and sharing my love for music. In 2007, I graduated from Pensacola Christian College with a minor in music with a performance focus on the viola. I had the opportunity to study under Dr. Alberto Jaffe, world renowned violinist, and Dr. John Wilcox. I had the opportunity to play several years in multiple orchestras during my college years and multiple ensembles, as well as playing for several smaller groups around town for special services. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am an Internationally recognized pedagogue, and concert violist,, with numerous Master Classes, and soloes both in The Americas, and Europe. I have been a founder member of El Sistema in Venezuela, both as a coach, and as a teacher. An experienced teacher in the USA, have tough for many years at The Viola, and Orchestra Repertoire of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh; and at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh at the Viola, and Chamber Music faculty. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For younger students (less than 5), I think Suzuki method would probably work best! We would focus on small exercises to establish good posture and sound while learning mainly through imitation and listening. When a student is able, I do encourage some theory as to read music fluently and gain understanding of basic musical concepts. At this age, I also encourage weekly technical exercises (scales, etudes) to improve ability and fluidity of playing. Read More