Violin Lessons in Cove Neck, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I began teaching while still in high school and have maintained a small private studio consistently since. I encourage consistency with practicing and performing in multiple groups for experience. I have a Bachelor's of Music in Violin Performance from Eastern Michigan University, and have been studying violin and playing independently for twenty years. After working in a well known strings store for three years in college I have an extensive knowledge of different music literature and teaching methodology. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For very beginning students, I usually start with the Suzuki Method Books and All For Strings Comprehensive String Method Books. I usually encourage my students to read music, but for the youngest students I start by playing with them and having them copy me. Once they are ready, I start teaching them basic music theory that will help them read music. For intermediate to advanced players I institute a routine of practicing scales and etudes as well as a solo piece that is appropriate for their ability level. 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: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Mandolin

     Nothing makes me happier than a satisifed student who can play better than I could at their age! Everyone has different expectations; some want to become proficient, while others want to become virtuosos, and I frame my lessons around the student's goals. The student is never talked down to or berated, and always encouraged; music is hard enough without negative comments. I encourage students to listen, listen, and listen some more to music, and also to read as much as they can about music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I set different goals for each student. I realize that every student learns at a different pace and has special ways of comprehending the information. I want to push the student to work hard, but would never give them more than they can handle. I want my students to love music and look forward to practicing each day. I look for different ways to inspire them and motivate them to want to learn more. Read More