Viola Lessons in West Newton, MA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

When i teach a student who is just starting on a string instrument and has never played before i usually start them with the Suzuki books and cds. I find having a cd or recording to listen to and play along with is a great help. Other books i use with beginners in addition to the Suzuki books that have recordings too are Solos For Young Violinists, solos for young violists, and Fiddle Sessions by Charlie Hall, and Bela Bartok's 44 violin duets. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Every time I teach a student, I learn something new about people and my instrument. I end up learning right along with them, and I love it! if you are starting from ground zero, I typically like to start with the Suzuki method books, and learning by ear. Learning good techniques and is of the utmost importance at this stage! Once you as a student are more comfortable with the violin, then I like to branch out and incorporate songs and techniques that you'd like to learn, which can be anything that is within your skill set. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Flute Fiddle Piccolo Music

I always begin lessons with some form of warm up to focus on beauty in tone and then I follow that with exercises that build technique. I am happy to work with students with whatever method book they are currently using but I am also happy to suggest method books and literature that I feel could further guide their growth. My lessons are very student-centered in that I see what the student's goals are and work from there. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style is very flexible for many reasons. Each student progresses at their own pace along with possibly participating in ensembles such as their school orchestra, All-State auditions, and more. I take all of these into consideration to create realistic goals for the students. The realistic goals for each of my students usually are many short-term goals as well as one long-term goal for them to reach at the end of the year. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I believe that it is important to take the time to get to know each student's needs and to set realistic goals that will set them up for long-term success. By paying attention to what inspires the student and how they take in information most effectively, I can successfully tailor my instruction. I am a fairly laid back person, and understand that my students have wide-ranging activities and priorities. I will always find a way to use the lesson time effectively regardless of the level of preparation that a student is able to commit to in a given week. Read More