Viola Lessons in Orange, CT

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

I believe that music theory is a fundamental when learning any musical instrument, and I make custom worksheets that cater to the individual's curriculum each week. When learning a new piece, the aural, visual, and written components encapsulate the primary step, as I believe it develops a deeper understanding of the piece before attempting it on the instrument. Students at any level complete scales and work on sight reading each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching method is similar to the Suzuki Pedagogy in essence, however I have expanded much upon my early Suzuki Pedagogy training. I believe a skilled educator utilizes many avenues of knowledge to create a product individualized for each student, the years have taught me this. I also believe that it is vital for an excellent educator to understand that learning is a two way street. I pay attention to my students, I Iisten to them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More