Viola Lessons in Shaw, DC

Instruments: Violin Viola

I try to cater to the each student's particular needs. For beginning students that are children I typically start with the Essential Elements Strings Book 1 in combination with Suzuki first book. As every student progresses at a different pace, I adjust my teaching curriculum accordingly. Having that in mind, I decide on the next step, usually some solo repertoire, as well as some more etudes and scales.  For adults, I tend to go with what they are particularly interested in, as well as incorporating learning basic music reading and playing skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

Hello! My name is Natasha and I am prettywell known in the Baltimore area having taught hundreds of young musicians over the last 20 years.I love to play music and teach it. Some of my favorite activities are playing in an orchestra or a quartet, fiddling for dances or jamming with friends, playing piano, practicing, touring and performing. I grew up in Moscow, Russia and have been playing violin since the age of 5 and piano since the age of 4. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In my teaching method, I am creating a custom plan for every single student. With beginner students, I am starting from the fundamentals and using books: Essential Elements, Suzuki Book 12, one and two octaves scales and etudes by Kreutzer, Wohlfahrt, and Mazas. For all of my students, I am always trying to find the repertoire that they would enjoy to practice. I encourage my students to share what style or particular piece they like and help them to find the right edition or arrangement and learn it. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style for young beginners is fun and encouraging. I stay very positive to encourage and motivate them. There is nothing like seeing young students staying focused and playing very confidently and feel good about themselves. That is very rewarding to me. I also show them how to practice with a clear demonstration and I like to build them up with good basics like good intonation, accurate rhythm and counting observing the dynamics and bowings carefully. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, Suzuki, and easy scales. Once the student has progressed and appears to grasp the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce etudes and solo pieces. I also teach students elementary music theory related to the pieces they are learning. For advanced students, I focus more on their technique and performance. Scales and etudes are essential as well as having experience playing a diverse repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing musical independence among my students. It is my goal that they can confidently approach a piece, making informed decisions about both technical and musical aspects. To facilitate this, I employ creative mnemonic techniques, transforming complex concepts into catchy and memorable phrases. By integrating multiple schools of music and violin playing, including Russian, French, and American traditions, I provide students with a holistic foundation. My approach blends technical exercises inherited from pedagogues like Ivan Galamian with interpretive insights gained from world-class musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I firmly believe that music education extends beyond the technicalities, encompassing creativity and self-expression. My journey has taken me from Shanghai, China, to various parts of the world, including Germany and Taiwan, enriching my teaching repertoire and enhancing my ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. It's a pleasure to be part of the Musika community, and I'm eager to welcome new students of all ages on this melodious journey of music discovery. Read More