Viola Lessons in Plainfield, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola

I first discovered my love of teaching in college, more than 10 years ago. Since then, I have made it my mission to make learning informative, engaging, and fun. It is important to encourage regular and consistent practice time during the week in between lessons so we can use our lesson time most productively and make your learning experience more enjoyable. My students are encouraged to participate in recitals and competitions to give them a goal to work towards, help keep them motivated, and give them a way to measure their progress and accomplishments.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Effective music education is both developmentally and culturally appropriate: By working with the student to understand their interests, I hope to provide them with an experience that will enrich their musical and social life outside of the work we do together. Through infancy, I believe Music Learning Theory is effective for developing musical and linguistic skills. If a student in toddlerhood/childhood shows that they have a preferred way to express themselves musically, I will tailor lessons around the Kodaly (voice), Orff (instrumental), or Dalcroze (dance) philosophies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I believe in teaching fundamental principles of technique that can be applied universally, and I encourage students to focus on one basic idea at a time. Scales, arpeggios, etudes and other exercises are an important part of daily practice, reinforced by weekly technique classes. In the study of technique, it is critical that students set attainable goals for themselves, and I help them to organize their practice time with this in mind. Read More

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

Playing a string instrument is very difficult and for a student to really flourish as a musician requires that they develop confidence and discipline. I find that the relationship between a music student and teacher is one that develops skills for life, not just musical techniques. I feel very thankful to my own teachers for showing me how powerful my hard work and dedication was, how fun and exciting music can be, and most importantly that their criticisms of my playing always meant that they believed in me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin

I started my teaching career my sophomore year of college while studying the performing arts. I first began teaching at a music school in Greenwich, CT after being referred by my orchestra conductor. After teaching there for a few months i was then recommended by a fellow teacher to instruct at a school in Darien, CT as well as their sister store where I developed a strong clientele. After teaching for the past six years i know that this is my passion in life. Read More