Viola Lessons in Newton, MA

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching for over five years, taking on students as young as 5 and as young as 65. ;) I have taught both privately, in duos, and in larger groups. My teaching experience has been very multi-faceted. For one student, I'll be teaching a Bach Minuet, and for the next it could be a Lord of The Rings excerpt! I like to emphasize the importance of practice and playing your instrument on a regular basis to accelerate progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My experience in the music therapy field as well as my personal experience being homeschooled when I was young has led me to hold the philosophy that every student succeeds most in an individualized environment. For that reason, I first learn about the student: their interests, their strengths, their struggles, and the way that they see the world. From there, I design goals that are personal to them, and design a curriculum that works for their learning style. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I aim to teach technique to students as a tool for musical expression. I emphasize the fundamentals of comfortable, natural playing posture so that each student can produce a beautiful tone with confidence and ease. I use our lessons as a safe space to learn the art of practicing, allowing students to progress individually between lessons. I teach students to listen to themselves critically - to actively reflect on what they are pleased with and what they want to improve in their playing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I like to start with Essential Elements and then progress to the Suzuki Method books. Later I might supplement this material with etudes and duets or pop song arrangements. For adults, I first determine their priorities and then focus my instruction on what will keep their lessons fun and engaging. Whether the student is interested in playing chamber music with friends, participating in a community orchestra, or just improving their skills so that they can experience the joy of making music, I am happy to tailor the lessons to meet their needs, Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style is very flexible for many reasons. Each student progresses at their own pace along with possibly participating in ensembles such as their school orchestra, All-State auditions, and more. I take all of these into consideration to create realistic goals for the students. The realistic goals for each of my students usually are many short-term goals as well as one long-term goal for them to reach at the end of the year. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Methods will be by case to case basis. Children with be asked to purchase the John Thomson Piano Book series as we first dive into reading music notation, learn our Keys, and begin basic music history. If parents are interested I suggest learning alongside children to help with weekly practice. Adults will be depending on resources and goals - What makes you want to take lessons? - Who and what inspired you to do it -What genre are you looking to play *Classical Music ( My expertise) is a lot of fun but can be very demanding, I will not introduce this material unless requested* Read More