Viola Lessons in Paramount, CA

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle

As a student I had many teachers who made me achieve at their pace and with their understanding of what the violin required. Ultimately the classical route did not give me enough freedom to play the way I wanted to. In my work as a teacher I have found that the pursuit of an instrument, though hard work, should fundamentally be enjoyable for the student. Whether it is finding the music that resonates deeply with you, or constructing practice assignments that are clear and achievable within a week, I want to connect with each student I teach and help them to find a regular rhythm in their lessons that keeps them feeling productive. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I maintain an active career as an orchestral, chamber, and freelance musician. In addition to performing regularly as a guest violist at the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and Pacific Symphony, I held a section position in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and served as principal of the Verbier (Switzerland) and Lake George (New York) Music Festival Orchestras and PRISMA Academy Orchestra (Canada.) As a soloist and an active chamber music artist, I gave a solo viola premier at National Sawdust (Brooklyn, NY), and viola recitals in Manchester Music Festival Winter House Series (Stratton Mountain, VT) Piano on Park (New York), Fordham University Church (Bronx, NY) and Percy Grainger Society (White Plains, NY). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Drums Conga Latin Percussion Music Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am motivated to keep students constantly engaged and passionate about their instrument! As a multi-instrumentalist I always play different instruments with students to give them a sense of playing in a group, which is what music should be all about! I also do my best to acknowledge the students strengths and weaknesses and take some time aside in class to speak to them about them. I believe it is important to have positive feedback but also to recognizes areas in which students can improve. Read More

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

I know everyone learns  at different speeds so making sure they are comfortable yet challenging is important to me.Being able to know when the student is enjoying and not making it a chore is a key to helping and encouraging a student learn. Watching them progress in their insturment is rewarding in of itself and nothing is more satisfying. As the student starts to see him or herself accomplish each lesson I like to praise, push and encourage to keep on. Read More

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

I've been teaching woodwinds and strings for about 8 years now, to students of all ages and abilities. In that time, I've worked with students making their very first sounds, all the way to helping my students successfully audition for university music programs (often receiving scholarship!). My training and certification in Music Therapy gives me an additional perspective on how music and musical ideas can be used to improve and assist all aspects of life, and in particular I enjoy working with students who possess learning or developmental difficulties. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Trumpet Recorder Fiddle

I like to start out beginning string students with Essential Elements 2000 by the Hal Leonard company. They have a complete system which includes professionally recorded accompaniments which provide a model for the student to hear how to play with good intonation, tone and rhythm which are the most important basics. In addition I recommend other sheet music with piano accompaniment or books with CD accompaniments that can be performed for friends and family. 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