Viola Lessons in Wagontown, PA

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola

So what will you learn? First of all it depends on your level, of course. If you are just starting out I will provide you or your child with a strong foundation which will give you the ability to progress much more quickly. The basics of music theory are taught as an integrated element of each lesson time. This will help you understand the entire learning process and will further accelerate your progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy is a product of the centuries tested methods of great violinists and violists and their descendent students. Those I have studied with and performed for include all four members of the Ying Quartet, C.J. Chang, Catherine Caroll, Nokothula Ngwenyama, and Roberto Diaz. Centering around the most simple and effortless playing techniques, my style of teaching is designed to facilitate the fastest route to excellence and the development of the student's own personal style and musical ideas. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I am a strings teacher, teaching privately for 10 years and in public schools for 7. I graduated from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelors of Music in Music Education, with a concentration in violin. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Orchestral Conducting at Messiah College. Strings students can expect to improve week to week in their technique. I teach students strong foundational techniques in order to develop their abilities. I use a mixture of both technical exercises and repertoire to help any student to play with freedom, confidence, and expression. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My beginning students usually start with the Suzuki method. However, if a student is using a different book with their school music teacher, I always try to incorporate that book in my student's private lessons. In addition, I ask students what they are interested in playing, to give the student a sense of ownership and signifigance in their progress. With adults I am more open to suggestions and requests, basing their lessons more on their interest as well as their progress. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate where I would teach and mentor incoming freshman placed in our studio. During the summers I would teach locally and fill in for past mentors who were on tour. This allowed me the fortune of teaching both beginners and advanced students. I strongly recommend consistent practice as I firmly believe an hour a day far out performs 5-7 on one day. A students growth is mostly contributed to ones own passion and discipline however as long as the student is willing to learn, then I am willing to help nurture their devotion and maturity to allow them to become as good of a instrumentalist that they wish to become. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My serious musical training began in Russia at the Moscow State Academic Music College named after P.I Tchaikovsky. The eagerness and commitment to perfecting my craft both technically and artistically as a violinist coupled with my passion for promoting Azerbaijan, brought me to the United States of America where I earned my Doctorate degree in violin performance at Temple University (Philadelphia). My travel and performance experiences across Europe, Russia, Azerbaijan, and The United States of America have offered me first-hand exposure to meaningful opportunities to explore and learn a variety of genres and cultures from Azerbaijani Mugham and Russian folklore to western classical music and everything in between while learning from diverse people, cultures, and places. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More