Violin Lessons in Hardwick, MA

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

I am passionate about teaching as well as performing. My night job includes performing as a classical pianist at Cavey's Italian Restaurant in Manchester, CT on Saturday nights every other month. I also am the keyboardist in the alternative modern rock band, Perfect Fate. We are on Facebook as Perfect Fate. My main song that has been released on Itunes and Amazon is "Atmosphere." I was able to incorporate my writing style and also my knowledge of guitar, though it is not my sole instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

Also performing in concerts gives them goals to work for so I try to have my students to perform at some assisted living places and more several times a year and the more they perform usually the better they improve. It can be encouraging to see that others make mistakes too and that noone is perfect. I like students to learn how to read as soon as they can, but I honor the suzuki idea that it is good to learn to play the first few pieces by ear so listening does not get lost in learning to read. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style is that I provide a structured environment with very clear expectations and a calm, supportive atmosphere. Within this structure there is plenty of room to expand and explore, myself having developed creative music styles from strict classical to rock improvisation. From an idyllic afternoon in the sun by the shore to an adventure on the high seas, a music studio is the place! The ticket to this magical place? 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 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

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For my string students I teach music theory only if requested, as many don't have access to pianos/keyboards at home so they can understand harmony, chord progressions etc. Without a keyboard understanding harmonic progressions can be very challenging. Experience has taught me that the joy of music comes only to those who get a solid foundation and knowledge. Many students begin with great enthusiasm, only to get frustrated after a while when they find themselves stuck year after year with beginner level music. Read More