Viola Lessons in West Cornwall, CT

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I began piano when I was 3 and violin when I was 9. Music is at the very core of my Soul. People say that I am a born teacher. My info. under Education above should give you a snapshot of my background. I did not list my piano education because I was originally a violin/viola major in college. However I am equally skilled on all 3 instruments. For e.g. the Brahms 2nd piano concerto is in my repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

It is a great joy a honor to share the musical gifts and experiences I have cultivated since childhood. Indeed, music is a way to retain some essence of the best of life. Every student can partake in this to their own ability and desire, given a well structured environment in which to flourish. My decades of professional performing and teaching strings provides just this environment. As we move into an age of technological advances, it is all the more important to impart the myriad of traditional skills which the study of music provides. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music should not be boring or intimidating, so I teach to my students' personalities and their comfort levels. I will ask my students to try rigorous exercizes but I will do so in a manner that is fun and rewarding, not exhausting. I enjoy adding humor to my lessons and I like to keep the mood light and conversational because music is as much about connection and communication as it is about notes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I began teaching during high school as a supervised intern observing and teaching both small groups of orchestra students and private lessons. Since then, I've gained independence and have taught students in a variety of settings, both individual and group, and to ages ranging from young beginner to adults. Self growth and striving for self improvement is an important tenet of my teaching, and I encourage it in both my students and myself. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Olivia Van Mater (most know as Olivia Moaddel) currently works as the Assistant Director of the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division. She will be working as both the Assistant Director and the Violin Professor at the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Summer Camp in July of 2024. She has been playing violin for 24 years and has studied extensively with renowned performers and teachers Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Yehonatan Berick, Katie Lansdale, Ronald Copes, Lucie Robert, David Kim, and many more. Read More