Viola Lessons in Plainfield, NJ

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

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I began playing violin at the age of 12. Over the years, I developed my skills further by joining my local community orchestra and getting lessons from renowned instructor pedagogues. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2017, where I performed regularly with the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestra, and learned about how to teach students both individually and in a school setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching private music lessons for more than 30 years at my home and at my student's homes.  After I received my Master's degree I obtained my teaching certificate in vocal and instrumental music for grades K - 12.  I taught vocal music for the Jersey City Board of Education and later I taught strings for the  Kearny Board of Education.  I prepared students for auditions and recitals always encouraging them to practice and learn music theory and music history. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Highlights include performing with: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Abigail Washburn, Clay Ross, Jayme Stone, Jacob Jolliff Band, Loudon Wainwright III, Mark Guiliana, Jeff Taylor and more. Bobby has recently been heavily involved in recording with chart-topping pop artists in the US. He is most recognized for playing violin on Grammy-award winning album folklore, by Taylor Swift. He has also recorded for Clairo, Lourde, Diana Ross, Bleachers, Phosphorescent, Florence and the Machine, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

I use a variety of method books--Bastien, Hal Leonard, John Thompson, and Faber are all favorites of mine for piano. For strings, I stand by the Suzuki method and String Builder series. All lessons are supplemented with sheet music that I print out myself for free on imslp.org, so you get that free of charge! Young children (Ages 0-7), if they are mature enough to sit through a short lesson, learn mostly through play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My approach to teaching is to share my love for music with my students. I will allow students to go at their own pace, and set realistic goals and expectations. I like to focus on intonation heavily, as anything other than excellent intonation is not good playing, in the words of a former instructor. I also encourage creative expression in my students, and will often ask them to try different methods of playing a single phrase in order to increase the depth of their musicality. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More