Violin Lessons in Hilltop, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For people just picking up the instrument for the first time, I find “Essential Elements for Strings” to be a very helpful because it addresses basic technical issues and throws in fun songs and pieces along the way. In these books, the students can learn everything from scales and rhythm to vibrato and shifting from different positions. I like to have students playing repertoire as soon as possible and I find Barbara Barber’s “Solo’s for Young Violists/Violinists” to be great for beginners because the music starts off at the beginner level and gets more and more advanced as the books progress. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin and viola for the last 10 years. My students have ranged from 4 thru 25 years of age. I love teaching the violin and viola to students who desire to learn the instruments regardless of their goals for the instrument. I strive to keep my students motivated, and if the student is bored with what is being taught I find something to inspire them. I, however, do not teach students that are unwilling practice. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started teaching while I was a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University.  I taught part time private lessons and worked for a Saturday Morning music program teaching Strings and Music Theory.  I have taught in public schools for 12 years teaching strings/orchestra to elementary, middle and high school students.  I have taught students individually, in small groups and in large groups and orchestras.  I have adjudicated at competitions and festivals and taught private lessons in violin, cello and viola over the last 20 years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

In all of my teaching, I combine my students' interests with the leading pedagogy practices in string education to develop the foundational skills of the instrument as well as a fondness for it. There are several method books that I use such as Suzuki, Schroeder's Cello Etudes, and Fiddler's Philharmonic, however, I tailor each lesson path to each student based on student interest as well as proper sequencing. I generally start with these method books, especially for cello, for beginning students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I love to teach! I believe my Grandmother's pedagogical influence has had deep impact on my musical journey. The art of teaching is a challenge which I enjoy very much. I began to teach privately as a teenager and have continued to do so both as a private instructor and as a faculty member of several music schools. I also had the privilege of directing a string chamber orchestra! I like to provide the opportunity for students to perform both as solo players and in ensemble groups via private recitals and/or competitions. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I like to have a consistent plan for all of my lessons, so that students know what to expect, as well as the best methods for practicing. I always start my students off with a warm-up consisting of scales or a technical exercise that relates to the piece that we are working on. I then go over the "trouble spots" of a piece with the student before diving into longer sections. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have been teaching privately since 2003. In 2005 I Was hired as a violin instructor at Southeastern Louisiana Community Music School where I taught for 5 years. After my Graduate studies I accepted a teaching position at Duquesne University City Music Center. Read More