Violin Lessons in Chinatown, MA

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: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I normally use the Standard of Excellence method books for most of my students; however, I am open minded to adjusting to each individual student's musical needs, whether it be Jazz, Classical, or whatever style music the student is focusing on. For Drummers, I prefer the Haskell Harr Method, or the Buddy Rich Method Book, as well as the Breeze Easy Method Book. For piano instruction, I prefer the Faber Piano Method Books, as they are tailored to the students' individual needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For younger beginning students, I either start with Strictly Strings or Suzuki, depending on how much prior musical experience the student has. In either case, I ensure that the student has a clear understanding of the violin and what is involved right from the beginning, and place a heavy emphasis on aural learning and ear training so they have a good foundation for their own practice at home and furthering their aural skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I teach students of all levels including adult students. I am a traditional teacher in that I focus on laying a secure foundation to prevent any unnatural habits from blocking the students progress in the future and helping the student become completely independent of the teacher. The student learns the skills necessary to teach themselves. I use a structured approach that involves a set of criteria that the student memorizes and is able to use as a checklist of issues to watch out for when practicing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

It's all about awareness, listening and sharing a love of playing. I love to play with my students, but also acknowledge the intensity of sitting back, watching, listening and internalizing the student. I am keenly aware of time and intend to cover all that was given as the last lesson plan (home practice) while forming a new plan for the next lesson. I always include something akin to a new "trick" that is easy to remember and will give back satisfaction. 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