Viola Lessons in Thornton, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My passion for teaching has been a big part of my career. I have been teaching violin since 2011- providing individual and group instrumental lessons in music schools and serving as an adjunct faculty (Artist-in-Residence position) of performance studies (solo and chamber) at Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University. These have provided me considerable experience teaching one on one and classroom settings discovering and enhancing their innate knowledge through an individual approach to each student. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Michael W. is a violinist whose approach to technical growth is built from the Juilliard school of Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay, combined with the Russian school of Mikhail Kopelman. Michael has won numerous awards and performed in many renowned locations including the Mann Center as well as the Kimmel Center. He has won or placed in several competitions, including the Voorhees Concerto Competition, the Schadt Summer Strings Competition, and The Young Classical Virtuosos of Tomorrow Competition. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I recommend that my students start off with a short amount of time practicing so it doesn't seem too overwhelming, and then you can add time from there. As my students start playing songs they enjoy and connect with, I find that their practicing time increases and it is usually because they want to and it doesn't feel as much like a chore. This is how I feel playing an instrument should be! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

As Shinichi Suzuki said, musical harmony breeds social harmony; to learn and make music together helps us all. For this I have grown the string and choral programs in Elmhurst's 51st Avenue Academy; taught violin, viola, and chamber music at the Queens College Center for Preparatory Studies in Music; led the Stony Brook Pre-College chamber music program; taught strings and chorus in Kiev, Ukraine; taught graduate education courses at Touro College online; and enjoy teaching music at NJ's Calderone School. Read More