Viola Lessons in Rutherford, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola

Every student is different; therefore there is no one method or strategy that will work universally. I create tailored lesson plans for each student taking into account age, experience, personality and learning style. Lessons can include ear training, music history, harmony, sight reading and improvisation depending on the level and goal of the student. When working with young children, I typically use games and activities and follow Mimi Zweigs principle of violin teaching, which is based on natural physical motions nurtured in a non-judgmental environment. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

The best feeling as a teacher is seeing my students progress and take pride in their playing. I take an individual approach to every student, understanding that each person learns differently and will have different strengths and weaknesses. I always make sure to reward my students for their progress and make sure they know that everything can be achieved with hard work. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My primary objective is to always focus my lessons around student's wants and needs, whether it is technique, training in music theory, or in basic fundamentals . Read More

Instruments: Viola

I was first introduced to viola through the Suzuki method, and so I am extremely familiar and comfortable with that method and have mostly taught that method as well. If the student is in school, as mentioned above, I will usually start by seeing what they need to learn and have been doing/learning there, and work from that point. For students more advanced or wanting to learn outside of the Suzuki method, I have many "starter" books at my home that I am happy to teach from for learning notes, rhythms, and other short songs, and will suggest etude books and scale books, such as Carl Flesch. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! I strive to find an individual approach to each student and 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. While daily practice is necessary for quicker progress, not every student has the time for it. So I teach my students how to use the time allocated for personal practice more effectively and how to develop good practice habits. Read More