Violin Lessons in Carlstadt, NJ

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

The best feeling as a teacher is seeing my students progress and take pride in their playing. I take an individual approach to every student, understanding that each person learns differently and will have different strengths and weaknesses. I always make sure to reward my students for their progress and make sure they know that everything can be achieved with hard work. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I value my ability to tailor lessons and my curriculum to the particular needs and goals of each individual student. I truly believe that there is not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to learning the violin! I have created my own combination of sequential exercises and repertoire selections, using influences from pedagogues that I have studied under, including Shirley Givens, Bettina Mussumeli, and Elizabeth Faidley, and major pedagogy styles including that of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I create custom lesson plans for each student based on their level, interests and goals. Typically I start brand new beginners with the basics, learning the parts of the instruments and the notes. Being a very visual learner myself, I enjoy using method books such as the Sassmannshaus series, as they are beautifully illustrated and help to capture and hold young children's attention. In addition to teaching scales and technique, I like to bring in songs that the students enjoy to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

I love to begin with the Suzuki method but is all dependent upon each individual student and their learning style! My initial priority is to make sure student's understand the fundamentals of violin technique. Along with technique is extensive ear training. This will lead to flexibility such as being able to improvise in a vast amount of genres. This fosters a long and engaging relationship with music and the violin. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginner students, I like to work on positioning the instrument, proper bow hold, and simple string crossing exercises. A great beginners book is the quick steps to note reading. I believe beginner students should be practicing with this book every day. When they are ready to start learning pieces, I really like to use the Suzuki books. This works for both young beginners and adult beginners. For students who are more advanced, I am adamant about them practicing scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For very young beginning students, I usually start with Shirley Givens' Adventures in Violinland. After some time, I like to switch to the Suzuki books to encourage training their ears. Each student is very different, and I cater and switch method books based on each student's individual need. For all ages, I encourage them to listen to violinists they enjoy on YouTube, and choose pieces they want to learn. Even if what they choose is a challenge, I believe they will be more inspired to work hard to learn the piece if they chose it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

I first started teaching violin in high school as a part of the Music Buddies Program, where high school students in the top orchestra would pair with elementary and middle school children in the area who could not afford private lessons. In the past few years, I have taught students of all ages, from just 4 years old, all the way to 76 years old! I love teaching as I am always learning something new from my own students. Read More