Viola Lessons in Montclair, CA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar

Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I think it is important to have a strong foundation when you're learning to play an instrument. And what is absolutely essential is scales. If you can play scales well, then you're off to a good start! You may very well be able to learn new music faster and play the pieces better! However, I do not believe that scales should dominate the lesson because that is not fun for the student or the teacher. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

In addition to private studio teaching, both in-person and remote for 6 years, my teaching experience comes from being as an Adjunct Faculty in violin and viola for non-music majors at New York University, the orchestral viola coach at Mannes Prep Precollege Division, director of Chamber Music and violin/viola faculty at Thurnauer School of Music. My students at younger ages have passed auditions of prestigious music pre-college programs as well as school-region youth orchestra programs; college-age students have won scholarships at their colleges for music minors and double-majors. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Violin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Students will likely begin in a method book of some form, and eventually will use supplementary material as needed. The method books for Younger students typically consists of 3 or more levels depending on their skill, while the method books for older students provide a good outline of the technique for the instrument. The supplements provide materials to develop musicianship and artistry through repertoire. This approach allows the lesson to be tailored to the students' overall purpose for taking the lessons. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

In 2014 I founded the string program at Lincoln Heights Youth Arts Center, a program that provides affordable music classes to students aged 8-18. Additionally, in the past two years I have been the primary music instructor at Lincoln and Mountain Avenue Elementary Schools in La Crescenta. After eight years of work in music education I have developed a passion not just for the craft of the violin, but in helping each student to achieve their personal goals through fun and engaging music. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginning students I like to begin with learning scales, becoming aware of the circle of fifths, introducing different types of bow strokes, bow control, and other essentials along with simple Suzuki book solo pieces. Once the student has progressed a little further, I will introduce more difficult solo repertoire that I feel will help the students techniques while also showcasing their abilities. For adults, I will try to find out what music the student is interested in and work with them in that way, in order to keep them engaged and enjoy playing music! Read More