Viola Lessons in Medford, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have played the violin since I was five and have spent over 20 years in the study of the instrument in my professional background. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have taught violin in private Catholic schools for four years and have taught privately for over 12 years. I am on faculty at Summertrios and the Lake Placid Chamber Music Institute, which are adult amateur chamber music camps. My students have ranged in age from 3 all the way to 83, so I know and understand that there are numerous methods and techniques that go into teaching. I focus on what the individual student needs rather than rely on one particular method over the other. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

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

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

Teaching has been my profession since before my college days, when I begun by teaching guitar lessons to classmates. Since college, it has been my primary occupation. I lead by example as a musician, and I encourage regular quality practice and cultivate an attitude of discipline and a drive to greatness. A cross-discipline in music is my primary approach to teaching, and I make a point of educating my students in how to communicate with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I also encourage my students to memorize each piece of music. For the grade-school students, this can help them build the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in the classroom outside of music. Music education can be useful in all areas of one's life. Performance: I've been performing with the violin for nearly 20 years. I've played with the Hershey Symphony, Penn State's Philharmonic Orchestra, various chamber groups, and many types of bands across a large variety of genres. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I create custom lesson plans for each student based on their level, interests and goals. Typically I start brand new beginners with the basics, learning the parts of the instruments and the notes. Being a very visual learner myself, I enjoy using method books such as the Sassmannshaus series, as they are beautifully illustrated and help to capture and hold young children's attention. In addition to teaching scales and technique, I like to bring in songs that the students enjoy to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable. Read More