Viola Lessons in Upper Black Eddy, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My aspirations as a violin instructor are to enable students to identify, understand, and assess challenges they contend to search for possible solutions. I am a proponent of self-directed learning, and intentionally create situations in class that allow the students to learn through the unconventional approach. I also encourage students to come up with their own exercises and possible solutions for any challenge they encounter. In order to measure their learning, I require students to demonstrate the process of searching for possible solutions in class. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Suzuki level books, String Explorer and Fiddletime joggers to increase sightreading and listening skills. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. 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: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Since I was a little kid I always wanted to be a teacher. My earliest memory is being 3, sitting at the piano bench, giving my mom a pretend lesson. My teaching experience began seriously in high school, when other kids in my cello section asked me to help them with the orchestra music. When their parents started paying me, they started telling their friends, and things totally took off from there! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am extremely passionate about music and excited to pass my passion on to students.  I have been studying violin since I was 4 years old and it has always been a central part of my life. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University this past May with a BFA in Violin Performance and Physics.  I enjoy music of all styles and in addition to classical music I play rock and jazz. Read More