Viola Lessons in Monmouth Beach, NJ

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: 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: Violin Cello Viola

The best feeling as a teacher is seeing my students progress and take pride in their playing. I take an individual approach to every student, understanding that each person learns differently and will have different strengths and weaknesses. I always make sure to reward my students for their progress and make sure they know that everything can be achieved with hard work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I strive to find an individual approach to each student and it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. While daily practice is necessary for quicker progress, not every student has the time for it. So I teach my students how to use the time allocated for personal practice more effectively and how to develop good practice habits. 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

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. 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