Viola Lessons in Pomeroy, PA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I am a strings teacher, teaching privately for 10 years and in public schools for 7. I graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education, with a concentration in violin. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Orchestral Conducting at Messiah College. Strings students can expect to improve week to week in their technique. I teach students strong foundational techniques in order to develop their abilities. I use a mixture of both technical exercises and repertoire to help any student to play with freedom, confidence, and expression. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My aspirations as a violin instructor are to enable students to identify, understand, and assess challenges they contend to search for possible solutions. I am a proponent of self-directed learning, and intentionally create situations in class that allow the students to learn through the unconventional approach. I also encourage students to come up with their own exercises and possible solutions for any challenge they encounter. In order to measure their learning, I require students to demonstrate the process of searching for possible solutions in class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Suzuki level books, String Explorer and Fiddletime joggers to increase sightreading and listening skills. 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 Cello Viola

My name is Madeleine and I am an orchestra director in the state of Maryland, specializing in cello, violin, and viola. As an educator, my career has seen me build orchestra programs in Maryland, educating and organizing programs for individual students as well as larger ensembles. With a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and a Masters in Conducting, specializing in strings, I have had experience in many aspects of what it takes to be a strings musician. Read More