Viola Lessons in Ridgewood, 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

For violin and viola students, I use All For Strings for beginners, and for more advanced students, use various books, including the Suzuki book. Fun and learning, are the key! And, if a student wants some pointers on how to write a song, I am quite experienced in that, having written several Off Broadway kid's shows, including my popular, "The Everyday Life Of Kids", which played throughout the Westchester NY school system. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Keyboard

I have been teaching music lessons since I was a freshman in college, pursuing my violin performance degree. It has been over 7 years and my passion for teaching students of all different ages and backgrounds continues to grow. Over the years, I've taught over 40 different students; some were my own private students, and some I taught at institutions around New York City. Seeing students fall in love with playing the violin and do their best to improve warms my heart and the feeling never grows old. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

Mostly I'd refer to the methods section. Though here I will discuss the dragon that is practice. It's difficult. Even I don't practice as much as I'd like and I'd wager few truly do, but it is consistency that makes the difference. I often say that music has more in common with a physical activity than an intellectual one. What I mean is, you can learn a fact and know it. Read More