Violin Lessons in Chatham, PA

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 Music Keyboard

Beginner: Learning the violin can be an adventure! From the first moment holding the violin, the student develops a natural way of holding the instrument and develops auditory skills that nurture a good musical foundation. Methods such as Suzuki as well as other traditional methods are used in an approach customized to each student. Intermediate: Once the student has a good foundation, the focus is on further developing a coordinated way of physically relating to the violin, developing critical listening skills, problem-solving, self-monitoring, building repertoire, growing an ability to express oneself on the violin, and learning to play with others in an ensemble. 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

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

During my middle through high school years as a performing arts student, I began teaching to the younger grades because I loved filling my time with music performance and education. I was honored to perform at various venues on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, such as the Kimmel Center. I have performed with the Curtis Institute of Music, Temple University's orchestra, the All-City Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as multiple performances with the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My aspirations as a violin instructor are to enable students to identify, understand, and assess challenges they contend to search for possible solutions. I am a proponent of self-directed learning, and intentionally create situations in class that allow the students to learn through the unconventional approach. I also encourage students to come up with their own exercises and possible solutions for any challenge they encounter. In order to measure their learning, I require students to demonstrate the process of searching for possible solutions in class. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More