Viola Lessons in Saint James, NY

Instruments: Viola

Mostly I just helped them with their pieces for orchestra and their group lessons at school, but during the summers I would often help them move along in their repertoire and give more of my own technical and musical input to expand upon what they had done in school all year. I currently frequent as a substitute viola teacher and chamber music coach for Karen Ritscher and other professors at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege division. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My approach to teaching is to share my love for music with my students. I will allow students to go at their own pace, and set realistic goals and expectations. I like to focus on intonation heavily, as anything other than excellent intonation is not good playing, in the words of a former instructor. I also encourage creative expression in my students, and will often ask them to try different methods of playing a single phrase in order to increase the depth of their musicality. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I love to begin with the Suzuki method but is all dependent upon each individual student and their learning style! My initial priority is to make sure student's understand the fundamentals of violin technique. Along with technique is extensive ear training. This will lead to flexibility such as being able to improvise in a vast amount of genres. This fosters a long and engaging relationship with music and the violin. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

My job is of upmost importance; to teach, but also to learn. As an educator I am responsible for encouraging growth and delivering material as efficiently as possible while maintaining a realistic sense of what is achievable. However, it is also my job to learn from the student and be able to adapt and grow to new situations. Not every student progresses at the same rate, but I keep my expectations and spirits high to push students to want to keep learning and working hard to accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning or young students (under age 8), music-related games are incorporated into lessons to encourage positive growth, rather than thinking of playing an instrument as a "chore". Small assignments are expected to be completed weekly, so that the child feels a sense of accomplishment and progress. For older or more advanced students, lessons are structured by a regimen of scales, exercises, and classical pieces. If the student so chooses, classical pieces can be exchanged for pop or contemporary music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 15 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More