Viola Lessons in Unionville, MD

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

I began student teaching in the late 90’s when I was in high school. I continued to teach on the weekends throughout college and graduate school at Joyful Sounds School of Music. While studying String Pedagogy at Temple University, I taught for the Community Music Scholars Program, a program in conjunction with the Philadelphia public schools allowing low income students to have private lessons at a reduced rate. After graduate school, I continued to teach at Joyful Sounds School of Music and started my own home studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

My teaching style is enthusiastic and caring. I believe that the best way to encourage students to practice is to teach music that they want to play, to have them perform, to challenge them with beautiful music and to use technology to support practicing. "Natasha is really a superb teacher. She has wonderful rapport with my children and is very patient. My daughter and son have progressed tremendously in a short period, and more importantly enjoy their lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching methods depend on the age and ability of the student. From younger students and beginners to older or more advanced students. For violin, I use my own tailored curriculum. I teaches basic scales, essential techniques to all levels, and various pieces of music depending on the studentxe2x80x99s needs. I use Suzuki, Kayser, Hohmann, the Third Position, etc. and various concertos for advanced students. For piano, I use Alfred Piano course for beginners, and then use Hanon, Sonatine, and other piano pieces. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My belief is that performed music should be fun for the performer as well as the audience. I will always give my best effort when I teach but students are also required to put in effort if they want to learn and become passionate about music. I encourage my students to have regular practice routines but make sure they are not overwhelmed. When I teach I also like to ask my students questions (such as how much bow do you need for this note? or what is the best approach to make this phrase more expressive with your left-hand?) so that students can learn to come up with solutions by themselves and can feel comfortable practicing without my always being there to guide them. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with violin method book, Essential Elements for Strings to learn the good basics and reading the notes and where to find those notes they just learned on the fingerboard. I also introduce the Suzuki Violin School volume 1 to learn the major songs written for the violin and simply to play more songs than the scales and exercises. For students who are more advanced, I help them their school orchestra music and make sure they are doing very well on top of the class in addition to continuing with the private lesson music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing musical independence among my students. It is my goal that they can confidently approach a piece, making informed decisions about both technical and musical aspects. To facilitate this, I employ creative mnemonic techniques, transforming complex concepts into catchy and memorable phrases. By integrating multiple schools of music and violin playing, including Russian, French, and American traditions, I provide students with a holistic foundation. My approach blends technical exercises inherited from pedagogues like Ivan Galamian with interpretive insights gained from world-class musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In my teaching method, I am creating a custom plan for every single student. With beginner students, I am starting from the fundamentals and using books: Essential Elements, Suzuki Book 12, one and two octaves scales and etudes by Kreutzer, Wohlfahrt, and Mazas. For all of my students, I am always trying to find the repertoire that they would enjoy to practice. I encourage my students to share what style or particular piece they like and help them to find the right edition or arrangement and learn it. Read More