Viola Lessons in Philadelphia, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My serious musical training began in Russia at the Moscow State Academic Music College named after P.I Tchaikovsky. The eagerness and commitment to perfecting my craft both technically and artistically as a violinist coupled with my passion for promoting Azerbaijan, brought me to the United States of America where I earned my Doctorate degree in violin performance at Temple University (Philadelphia). My travel and performance experiences across Europe, Russia, Azerbaijan, and The United States of America have offered me first-hand exposure to meaningful opportunities to explore and learn a variety of genres and cultures from Azerbaijani Mugham and Russian folklore to western classical music and everything in between while learning from diverse people, cultures, and places. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a beginner method such as Essential Elements or Sound Innovations. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I feel that nothing is more rewarding than seeing that my student has learned something and from that, develops a passion for music. I try to keep each student's progress at their own pace by setting and keeping realistic goals for my students at their lessons. I am very positive during lessons, because I feel that acknowledging any accomplishment helps keep the student interested and fuels a desire to continue to get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Excellent, nurturing Suzuki violin pedagogy - treating music as a mother tongue to absorb, imitate, and engage with - informs my methods for beginning and intermediate students. Gradually, as the student shows readiness, we blend in the traditional yet humane study of expert violin playing and thoughtful musicianship modeled for me in Dorothy DeLay's masterclass. As distinct from many string players, I am also a devoted and accomplished singer. So breathing, posture, phrasing, color, line, and articulation are key to my approaches to making and teaching music, and thus to helping my students x22singx22 through their playing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing my students excel and develop their own passions for music. Each one of my students is different, and so each lesson I teach is specific to that student. Acknowledging accomplishments and setting weekly goals for my students allows them to meet those challenges and see the success that comes from all their hard work! It's really a wonderful thing to see. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy is a product of the centuries tested methods of great violinists and violists and their descendent students. Those I have studied with and performed for include all four members of the Ying Quartet, C.J. Chang, Catherine Caroll, Nokothula Ngwenyama, and Roberto Diaz. Centering around the most simple and effortless playing techniques, my style of teaching is designed to facilitate the fastest route to excellence and the development of the student's own personal style and musical ideas. Read More