Viola Lessons in Plandome, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

It is extremely important to set realistic goals for each student. I accomplish this by isolating each issue and not trying to spend one lesson addressing everything. Instead of overwhelming the student, I try to set realistic and obtainable goals for each student while retaining the challenge. As the student improves, I gradually start setting more challenging goals according to each student's ability. When the student improves, (s)he becomes more motivated to learn more, which is crucial for continuous development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

As an instructor, its important to me that my students are developing both their skills and their love for music at an equal rate. I do this by assigning exercises and material that will be both rewarding and fun for the student. I also set timely goals so that they have something to look forward to in their next lesson. During my lessons, I also do a lot of mirroring (showing how I play a certain passage with my instrument) so that they can visualize the proper implementation of a passage. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with my method based on a combination of the Suzuki method, a base of the European School, and my intuition and vision of each student. 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 have taught violin in private Catholic schools for four years and have taught privately for over 12 years. I am on faculty at Summertrios and the Lake Placid Chamber Music Institute, which are adult amateur chamber music camps. My students have ranged in age from 3 all the way to 83, so I know and understand that there are numerous methods and techniques that go into teaching. I focus on what the individual student needs rather than rely on one particular method over the other. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

My work with the DCYOP, an El-Sistema inspired program, involves teaching the basics of playing the violin, viola, cello and music theory, adjudicating students’ progress, leading sectionals and full rehearsals in various DC schools, some from the most underserved communities. Highlights are having all the different schools come together for a large performance at the Kennedy Center and the students performances with Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Esperanza Spalding. I’ve also facilitated many youth orchestra performances and summer camps as string teaching artist in DC and Maryland showcasing that I can motivate the students to a high quality performance regardless of the amount of time. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching music for over 15 years as a private teacher and also a class violin instructor and orchestra director.  I have also served for many years as an adjudicator for Massachussetts All State Orchestras. Currently, I have an active private studio and teach 4 days a week at a public school in Brooklyn, leading a string orchestra there and teaching group violin, viola, and cello classes.  There are about 300 students in my program. Read More