Viola Lessons in Totowa, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Since then I have been employed at over 4 different studios, and I still teach privately. It is my main source of income and my life's passion. I encourage all of my students to pursue performance opportunities, anything from playing for family in the basement to big recitals with huge crowds. Performing and sharing art is one of the best parts of being a musician, and it isn't nearly emphasized enough in many schools of educational thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In the beginning, students will see more progress than they will later on. After progressing past the basics, they will begin to synthesize information from lessons and experience to solve unique problems to keep growing musically. Rarely will a teacher have the precise answer for specific "blockade," but I will always provide great insights and ideas that can be very useful to overcome your practice barriers. This process of info synthesis is delicate and time consuming, but it is the most vital part of the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

After each lesson, I wrote down their homework, and if a parent is there, I go over their progress. If it's an adult student, I obviously don't have to do that, but I enjoy all ages, and have students 4-82 currently! I even go to teach my 82 year old student, at her assisted living place! The difference between a kid and an adult student, is usually, that the child notices the correctly notes, while the adult thinks they had to be 7 to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My private teaching career began in high school, where I was asked by the music teachers in my school district in Westchester, New York to assist in preparing middle- and elementary school students for local competitions and festivals (such as NYSSMA). During college, I was able to maintain a private studio and was fortunate enough to spend summers assistant teaching at music festivals. Currently I teach in a number of music schools in and around New York City, and serve as Adjunct Instructor of Viola and Violin at New York University to undergraduate students. Read More