Viola Lessons in Shelton, CT

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

My teaching experience began 6 years ago when I was a high school senior. I began teaching students in my local orchestras, as well as adults wanting to start out. When I moved back to Long Island after graduation, I began teaching the same age levels. In New York, students are often encouraged to participate in NYSSMA Festivals, thus I have gained extensive experience preparing students for violin and viola solos. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Through my studio, I have taught voice, beginner violin and viola, music ensembles, music management, production, music publishing and audio engineering. I have also worked as a live sound technician for several CT venues. I currently perform in the ensemble, Ulterior Motif in the styles of neoclassical, gypsy jazz, contemporary and world music. My compositions have been published with the Discovery Channel, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, in independent films, and in a variety of television marketing campaigns throughout the United Kingdom. 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 Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

MyteachingexpiencebeganinformallywhenIwasinmiddleschoolinChinahelpingelementaryschoolstudentspracticeandworkontheirtechnique.MyformalteachingexperiencebeganwhenIwasajuniorincollegeandbeganworkingasaprofessionalteacherontheweekend.Ialwaystrytomakemylessonsfunandfocusonthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splaying.Ihavehadtheopportunitytostudywithworld-classsoloistsandmemebersoftheprestigiousorchestrasandIalwaystrytopassonthewordsofwisdomthattheseteachershavegivenme.Iencouragemystudentstofocusontraditionalgoalssuchascompetitionsandfestivals,butalsopursuepopularmusicandnon-classicalmusic.IhavesuccessfullytaughtstudentsofanyageandIamalsoexcitedtoworkwithnewstudentsandhelpthemdiscovertheirfullmusicalability. Read More

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

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More