Viola Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

Similar to learning a language, the pathway to success and fulfilment on violin comes from the student's total immersion in the material and a desire to play. I bring an easy-going but focused demeanor to lessons to allow my students to comfortably assimilate the principles of violin technique and develop a love for playing music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I also have a vast amount of experience with chamber music, both in coaching and playing. I have performed in various states and concert halls in the US, as well as in Italy, France, and Switzerland. I love playing and performing, and wish very much to pass along that love to those just beginning! I feel that music is a strong and universal language, and is meant to be shared and bring people together, and I can't wait to start a studio here in the city. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For the past two years I have worked alternately as a private violin teacher, and as a private music theory tutor for students in New York City and Philadelphia, my hometown. I have taught both children and adult students, and embrace the challenges that each age group presents. I recently completed my undergraduate training at the New School where I studied violin performance with an emphasis on Jazz and Contemporary Music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

As I said above, I have been teaching since I was in high school and began studying the Suzuki Method at the age of four. I believe that anyone is able to learn an instrument no matter their age, as long as they stick to a regular practice schedule, have patience, are passionate, and have goals in mind at all times. My goal is to make the learning experience unique for each student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My first violin student started with me 9 years ago during my undergraduate studies in Utah. I realized that teaching is much different than performing and started taking classes to be a better instructor. I grew up studying the Suzuki books and have registered Violin Teacher Training Units 1-4 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. In college, I studied Violin Pedagogy with the esteemed pedagogue Dr. Kasia Sokol-Borup who demonstrated how to enhance the Suzuki method with other styles of teaching. 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