Viola Lessons in Sugar Hill, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a student's desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners who are children, I start with the essential Suzuki method which includes a focus on musical listening imitation, parental involvement (at very young ages) and creating an effortless technique. The Suzuki books are great in that they provide a great foundation and an extremely logical progression for taking students from complete beginners to an advanced level. For advanced students, we can branch out into a wide variety of classical concertos or other repertoire (this happens around Suzuki book 6) I love to teach adults, and I try to structure my teaching in accordance with adult students' goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am both a performer and a teacher. I received my bachelors degree in viola performance from The Juilliard School and my masters degree from Northwestern University. I have been teaching for about 6 years and truly love it. I have taught students from ages 6-18, both privately and in group classes. I am open to teaching all ages. As a performer, I have solod With the Northwestern Baroque Ensemble, and the Narnia Festival Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching at the age of 17 years old and started a strings program with the founder of Akoustikos. I began teaching the Suzuki method and I love to hold group lessons as it encourages and fosters healthy growth. Since then, I have taught all over Pennsylvania and extensively studied different teaching methods to build a flexible program that is best for the student! I also love to transcribe music that student's love because it has many benefits including fun! Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I am a strong believer in student individuality and uniqueness, and understand that each student develops at their own pace on their own time, in their own way. Therefore, my goal as a teacher is to help the student grow to be their own, special musician, and to develop passion and love for that along the way! I am extremely passionate about the viola and playing music, and I want my students to feel the same. 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