Viola Lessons in Plumsteadville, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate where I would teach and mentor incoming freshman placed in our studio. During the summers I would teach locally and fill in for past mentors who were on tour. This allowed me the fortune of teaching both beginners and advanced students. I strongly recommend consistent practice as I firmly believe an hour a day far out performs 5-7 on one day. A students growth is mostly contributed to ones own passion and discipline however as long as the student is willing to learn, then I am willing to help nurture their devotion and maturity to allow them to become as good of a instrumentalist that they wish to become. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

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

I use String Builder, Essential Elements, etudes, technical studies for each instrument and Suzuki Methods for strings and essential elements for clarinet. I emphasize good posture, holding the instrument and bow properly and correct finger placement. Also learning to play scales and music to prepare for auditions and a recital. I also teach students music theory and sight reading and assist with orchestral music. The repertoire is based on different musical genres and multicultural pieces and I allow the students to chose some of the music they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have ten years experience teaching the violin and viola. I have taught students as young as seven, as well as students at the undergraduate level. I develop challenging goals and practice routines for each individual student based on their own motivations and potential. My own career as a performer and understanding of the competitive nature of classical music performance informs the standards I set for my students. Though I am willing to to provide casual lessons to the amateur or hobbyist, I will mentor serious students to pursue achieve the highest standards. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Musical games, singing, clapping, and moving are all part of my musical curriculum for children of this age. I reinforce musical and instrumental concepts through play, so they learn without even realizing it! Middling children (Ages 8-12) can often handle a more rigorous curriculum. Rudiments (scales, arpeggios, etudes) are far more important than songs to teach foundation and technique, but the songs are the 'treat' and definitely the fun part. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music, in fact I have had several students pursue music education degrees as a result of my love and dedication to teaching! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. Read More