Viola Lessons in Upper Saddle River, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I'm well trained in the Suzuki repertoire and philosophies, however I teach a combination of traditional methods and also have the ability to exclude one or the other. For beginners and young children, I teach note reading simultaneously but separately from the applied side of playing. Holding the violin and bow, for example, are very challenging and require time to focus on them individually. Note reading is done on the side and later these aspects merge so that kids are eventually learning new pieces by reading the music directly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am incredibly fortunate to have access to the resources at NYU and to love teaching music more and more every day: I have had practical experience in woodwind, brass, string, voice, and percussion pedagogy, as well as music in early childhood and for students of all abilities. My teachers include Jason Noble (instrumental conducting), Paul Speiser (choral conducting), Kim McCord (childhood/special ed music pedagogy), Ethan Hein (electronic music pedagogy), and Christopher Bush (clarinet performance). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The best part about teaching is seeing students grow as musicians and develop their own musical style and instincts. I try to teach in a way that highlights how, often, improvements can be made instantly, but on the other side, how hard work and diligent practice lead to growth over time. While learning violin or viola, students should be physically comfortable (because the instrument is very awkward at first!), and they should feel able to ask questions and receive expert explanations. Read More

Instruments: Viola

As I get to know the student better, their interest, and what they seem to indiviually need, I can then help them with the physcial aspects of playing and give my own input on musical ideas, bowings, etc.  Since attending Eastman, I have studied specifically with teachers who studied under the great violist Karen Tuttle. Her teaching philosophy is all geared towards playing tension/injury free, therefore relaxing into your own sound and playing to be the healthiest and best violist you can be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I believe in teaching fundamental principles of technique that can be applied universally, and I encourage students to focus on one basic idea at a time. Scales, arpeggios, etudes and other exercises are an important part of daily practice, reinforced by weekly technique classes. In the study of technique, it is critical that students set attainable goals for themselves, and I help them to organize their practice time with this in mind. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

My teaching experience began at age 16, when a family friend asked if I would teach her daughter violin. I instantly found a love for the challenge of teaching, and the joy when a student experiences success. I have taught privately in a myriad of settings: music stores, music studios, and in students' homes. In high school, I was accepted into a music program that prepared me for entering college as a Music Education major. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

I believe that music theory is a fundamental when learning any musical instrument, and I make custom worksheets that cater to the individual's curriculum each week. When learning a new piece, the aural, visual, and written components encapsulate the primary step, as I believe it develops a deeper understanding of the piece before attempting it on the instrument. Students at any level complete scales and work on sight reading each lesson. Read More