Violin Lessons in Dudley, MA

Instruments: Violin

I find joy in helping students achieve their goals. I always aim for high quality, but also make the process fun. If the goal is to sound professional, I make sure we spend a good amount of time working on scales, etudes, and learning the essential classical music like the Bach six Sonatas and Partitas. I like the Galamian violin playing methods, and find them very effective to teach. I do this with almost all levels of students, as it solidifies the technical skills of a performer, allowing them to express themselves musically. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For my beginning students, I typically start with scales, then some technical exercises that usually come from Simon Fischer Basics book, and a short piece that employ one of the scales with the techniques. Once the student understands the fundamentals, I introduce solo repertoire that is considered essential to know for their instrument as well as sight-reading techniques. Once the student becomes more advanced, I show them works that I believe will peak their interest along with pieces that are overlooked such as pieces by women or minority composers. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I, myself, is a very passionate performer. My enthusiasm in music making is what kept me going all these years. and I believe it is the very thing that would motivate and encourage a student to practice and learn. As a teacher, I will prioritize finding a way for a student to love the instrument and music, introducing them to a wonderful world that they have not yet encountered. Learning the violin is an extremely hard process, like everything else in life, there is never a shortcut. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Mandolin Acoustic Guitar

During 2010, heavy rains had left thousands of poor people homeless. Faced with this situation, I wondered how I could personally support to that part of the affected population. I thought about teaching math to children or teaching music. I decided on the second and when I told another group of coworkers, they voluntarily bought the Cuatros (Venezuelan Guitar) so that every child in the refuge had their new toy: a Venezuelan musical instrument. 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: Violin Viola

For beginning students who are children, I like to start with Essential Elements and then progress to the Suzuki Method books. Later I might supplement this material with etudes and duets or pop song arrangements. For adults, I first determine their priorities and then focus my instruction on what will keep their lessons fun and engaging. Whether the student is interested in playing chamber music with friends, participating in a community orchestra, or just improving their skills so that they can experience the joy of making music, I am happy to tailor the lessons to meet their needs, Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

Having a library of methods at my studio, I tailor my materials to the student. That is a creative process in itself, and always fun. I use classical European etudes and methods, contemporary sheet music, my own teaching etudes, childrens' books with CDs, fiddle books, etc. I have weekly lesson plans that cover warmups, focus points, working pieces, etudes, theory, review and performance preparation, and I keep a copy of each plan for my own review. Read More