Viola Lessons in Thomaston, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I have been playing the violin since I was seven and have been playing the piano and the guitar since I was ten. I have been teaching those instruments since I was fifteen, and I love to play the autoharp and ukulele. I like to listen to, play, and teach all genres of music to the best of my ability. I believe in all the ways that music can be utilized in this world whether it be for educational and/or healing purposes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin since my undergraduate days at The University of Connecticut, in their celebrated Suzuki Pedagogi program. From there on to the Hartt School and ever since, with a private studio in my home for 20 years and instructing and designing string programs in the Greater Hartford Area including the Hatford Public School System and Hartford Conservatory also within the East Hartford and Glastonbury school systems. While inviting innovation, my teaching philosophy is steeped in the traditional values of focus and dedication, for which there are no substitutes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Therefore, I will usually add duets to their repertoire as to show them a different aspect of playing violin. I also encourage students to find pieces they want to play, or maybe a tune (ex:Christmas music during the holidays) that they really want to work on. I just want my students to love what they are doing, appreciate the music, and most importantly have fun with it since that is the root of the passion! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard

The teaching begins with identifying student's musical needs, goals and tastes. Students are taught a stimulating, thorough, and graduated course of recital solos, theory, technical studies, and a strandard instrument repertoire. For those wishing to pursue more of a classical approach to music, there are proven methods to accomplish that goal established by European Master Teacher and pedagogues. Also, I can teach the know-how of Jazz and Blues though gradual lessons that cover basic scales and chords up to melody and harmony development. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ibelieveeveryonehasthepotentialtobeagreatmusician,itisjustamatterofdisciplineandfocus.Whilepracticingisdefinitelyimportant,itisn'taboutjustspendingtimewithyourinstrument,itisaboutpracticingthecorrectway.BypracticingthecorrectwayIamreferringtopropertechnique,breakingdowndifferentaspectofyourplaying(bowarm,lefthand,etc),andsettinggoalsforyourpractice.Iencouragemystudentstostartexperiencethejoysofperformingevenattheverybeginningandworktofindsolorepertoirethatisaccessibleandalsofun.MusichasbroughtmesomuchjoyandasateacherItrytofindwaysformystudentstoexperiencetheexcitmentthatplayingmusicoffers Read More