Viola Lessons in Ridgewood, NJ

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

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: Violin Cello Viola

I began teaching private lessons when I was a junior in high school and have been teaching since then. My philosophy is that any one can play an instrument with the proper instruction and patience. I encourage my students to practice regularly and strive to achieve their goals, but most importantly my goal is to help them to feel more confident and enjoy music, no matter what stage they are at in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Traditional classical method, Suzuki method. Trained with teachers of various schools including Galamian and Tuttle techniques. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

For beginners, I typically start with Suzuki and/or Strictly Strings, though for bass players I tend to move towards Vance/SS instead. Once the fundamentals are understood, then we begin to start more technical exercises and start to prepare solo repertoire. For students who are more experienced or older, I try to see what specifically they are interested in and incorporate that into our work. I emphasize how important proper posture and playing position is, as more advanced techniques would be hard to do without proper posture and could even cause pain later on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

Hello! My name is Alyssa. I can't wait to meet you! Experience: I've been teaching stringed instruments for over 6 years to many ages. I focus on the Suzuki method with the young children and I believe in strong fundamentals. Ear training is a wonderful gift that comes with the discipline of violin study. As the student's ear gets stronger, improvisational techniques can be taught. This allows for broader musicianship and enjoyment in learning. Read More