Viola Lessons in Shelton, CT

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music should not be boring or intimidating, so I teach to my students' personalities and their comfort levels. I will ask my students to try rigorous exercizes but I will do so in a manner that is fun and rewarding, not exhausting. I enjoy adding humor to my lessons and I like to keep the mood light and conversational because music is as much about connection and communication as it is about notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

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. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter festivals, camps and performing events as well as work on their own composing, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ever since I started playing viola in the third grade, I have been drawn to performing and teaching music. I am a graduate of the Hartt School, where I was a member of an honors chamber music program, Performance 20-20. Since 2007 I have been a violist in the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and freelance on both viola and violin throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Chamber music, however, is my number one passion and one of the reasons I love playing and teaching the violin and viola!! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For adolescent beginner piano students I recommend 'John Thompson's Earliest Piano Course'. In this series Books I-III build a strong base upon which a student can specialize in different genre and styles graduating from book III. For adult students beginning I would suggest John Thompon's Adult (or Modern) Piano Course. The pacing of this book is far more accelerated and more in keeping with an adult pace to work with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I started playing the piano at age 3 and the violin at age 12. I have always been involved in the perfomring arts. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I started teaching when I was in high school. I went to The King's College and majored in Music Education. I have also performed throughout the US and Europe. Right after my college graduation I went to study music and art and concertized through out Italy and Switzerland. Read More