Viola Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe in the importance of holistic music pedagogy for students at every level. Musicianship requires technical proficiency, music theory training, music history study, and creativity. I prefer to craft unique courses of study for each of my students rather than using popular, one-size-fits-all approaches, such as the Suzuki Method. Though many of these methods have valuable pedagogical insights, I hope my students can have a deep engagement with music, art and creativity that goes beyond technical mastery, a goal that requires a greater flexibility than such methods provide. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching independently since 2004, with experience in classical, Celtic fiddle, bluegrass, rock and improvisation. In addition to private lessons, I have assisted with classes from elementary through high school level at various schools. I plan customized lessons and work with students individually to achieve goals. I like to form real relationships with my students and still stay in touch with students I have not taught for years! It is very rewarding to me to help students find their own voices in music, and I try to provide the tools they will need to be successful in whichever style/field of music they are drawn to. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I first began teaching the summer before I started high school, which is also when I began my first studio! In my home town in Connecticut, children start playin string instruments in the 3rd grade, and so my old elementary school teacher asked me if she could put me on a list for the kids and their parents to contact if they wanted extra teaching outside of school. From there, I formed a stuido of about 7 students ranging from ages 4-10, and some just beginning while others quite advanced for their age. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I love nothing more than to see a student come into or leave their lesson beaming with a sense of pride and self-accomplishment. What that means to a student is as unique as they are. My beginner students may feel overjoyed to have learned their one-octave D major scale played pizzicato, my more experienced students could be proud to announce that they figured out a tricky passage on their own using skills they learned in a lesson. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I'm a career string quartet musician who loves both performing and teaching. I graduated with a Master of Music degree from McGill University in Viola Performance. I've been lucky to have many amazing opportunities so far: I've performed in Carnegie Hall as a member of the New York String Orchestra Seminar; in Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan; and in Salzburg, Austria (the birthplace of Mozart!) as a member of the Milton String Quartet. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

Since graduating with my Masters in Cello Performance in 2005 from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, I have been consistently teaching. Most of my teaching for the past 13 years has been going to students' homes. I also encourage the students to participate in yearly recitals and local community engagements throughout the year. This way the students are sharing their gifts and hard work with the community that supports them. I am also proud of my work with the DC Youth Symphony Orchestra Program. 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