Viola Lessons in North Haledon, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, 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. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin

Learning in my class takes place in a very friendly atmosphere. When teaching my students, I try to motivate them to achieve their goals every time I advise them to do something. I try to select advice based on the most accessible form of a verbal description of a particular problem. In addition, I always try to show visually any movement that causes difficulty in the student and convey this understanding through a practical basis. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

You cannot expect to learn a music skill and be able to use it without practice. This is like a marathon runner who cannot expect to run far without training. Much of the frustration students find when it comes to improvement comes from the misunderstanding that something learned in music stays learned. I find it more more accurate to say you train your music skills, rather than learn them. Without the dedication of consistent practice what's learned becomes unlearned. 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

I am a very laid-back teacher. My belief is that music is fun. I encourage my students to have fun. Too many teachers make music all about practice and drilling. While practicing and drilling is definitely a part of learning, it is not the end-all be-all. Music needs to be enjoyed for what it is - fun! I have had teachers who have sucked the joy out of learning for me, and I strive to make sure that never happens for my students. Read More