Violin Lessons in Leonardo, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. 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: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I draw heavily on the Suzuki method when I teach. For young beginners this means a lot of ear training using singing, recordings, and games. For young students, I ask a parent to be involved in the training so that they can help the child with practicing. The key to young beginners is making everything fun and not going too fast. Through repetition, they learn skills and develop confidence by experiencing success at every stage of the process. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners who are children, I start with the essential Suzuki method which includes a focus on musical listening imitation, parental involvement (at very young ages) and creating an effortless technique. The Suzuki books are great in that they provide a great foundation and an extremely logical progression for taking students from complete beginners to an advanced level. For advanced students, we can branch out into a wide variety of classical concertos or other repertoire (this happens around Suzuki book 6) I love to teach adults, and I try to structure my teaching in accordance with adult students' goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

I started teaching in high school, and I've been teaching consistently for the past 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

My job is of upmost importance; to teach, but also to learn. As an educator I am responsible for encouraging growth and delivering material as efficiently as possible while maintaining a realistic sense of what is achievable. However, it is also my job to learn from the student and be able to adapt and grow to new situations. Not every student progresses at the same rate, but I keep my expectations and spirits high to push students to want to keep learning and working hard to accomplish their goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I have been teaching music for over 35 years privately and in the public schools. I am currently the Director of Educational Services in the NYS school system. I have directed theatrical performances, conducted performing choruses, and implemented recreational programs at after school programs, senior citizen centers in New York and Israel. Read More