Violin Lessons in Great River, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

Born into a musical family, violinist and fiddler I began studying classical music under his father at the age of five. Drawing on influences as diverse as rock, jazz, classical, country, and Indian music, Bens technical prowess and improvisational ideas give him a truly unique and fascinating musical style. Having studied under several of the worlds greatest musicians and educators(Dr. Yusef Lateef, Dr. Karaikudi Subramanian, Steve Coleman, Julie Lyonn-Lieberman, Will Taylor, Martin Norgaard), I haveBen has incorporated a variety of innovative concepts into both his playing and pedagogical strategies, the result of which is a truly holistic approach to music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

In the beginning, students will see more progress than they will later on. After progressing past the basics, they will begin to synthesize information from lessons and experience to solve unique problems to keep growing musically. Rarely will a teacher have the precise answer for specific "blockade," but I will always provide great insights and ideas that can be very useful to overcome your practice barriers. This process of info synthesis is delicate and time consuming, but it is the most vital part of the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My teaching philosophy centers around the goal of my students developing control of their own learning by becoming independent thinkers, problem solving on their own, and understanding critical methods for effective practice and successful performance. I guide this process by asking questions, offering suggestions, and ultimately steering students towards an ownership of their choices. As a result, they are able to maximize their practice time during the week as they become better analysts of their own playing from both a global and detailed perspective. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Every student is different; therefore there is no one method or strategy that will work universally. I create tailored lesson plans for each student taking into account age, experience, personality and learning style. Lessons can include ear training, music history, harmony, sight reading and improvisation depending on the level and goal of the student. When working with young children, I typically use games and activities and follow Mimi Zweigs principle of violin teaching, which is based on natural physical motions nurtured in a non-judgmental environment. Read More