Violin Lessons in Mahwah, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I have been teaching using the Suzuki method for more than 20 years. I love working with young kids because I understand the value of introducing them to music at a young age. They will become fluent in a musical language that they will carry with them throughout their lives. For more advanced students, I enjoy the challenge of training them to produce a professional quality sound when they play advanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The best part about teaching is seeing students grow as musicians and develop their own musical style and instincts. I try to teach in a way that highlights how, often, improvements can be made instantly, but on the other side, how hard work and diligent practice lead to growth over time. While learning violin or viola, students should be physically comfortable (because the instrument is very awkward at first!), and they should feel able to ask questions and receive expert explanations. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For students that are complete beginners, I like to start away from the instrument to instill some confidence in reading music and a basic understanding of harmony. Flash cards and memory games have proven to be extremely effective for me, and I've seen a huge change in confidence around a violin when the student isn't overwhelmed with trying to grasp many difficult concepts at once. Hal Leonard's books are a favorite of mine, as well as Harvey Whistler's "Introducing the --" series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Keyboard

I like to keep my teaching style a balance between being strict but also patient when needed and keeping it fun! I like to have open communication with the student or parents of the student to figure out what kind of teaching style they might prefer. If you want to be challenged and pushed, I can provide more strict instruction to make sure your goals are being met. If a student or their parents prefer to take it easy and just have a good time learning a new instrument, I will also be on board with that! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I don't have a singular method because every student is different. At the beginning of my lessons with a new student we will begin getting to know each other. Then we try different things. Some students are naturals at imitating what they hear, so we play to those strengths. Other students are more comfortable with structure and math, so we take that route instead. What I find most important is being flexible. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Most importantly, I believe every student is different and I always try to avoid a "one size fits all" approach to teaching. That said, I'm a big advocate of scales, etudes, and technical exercises, as well as exploring repertoire (solo, chamber music, and symphonic). I encourage students to listen to a wide variety of music, in addition to their work on the violin, sometimes with weekly listening assignments. Daily, systematic practice at home is required of all my students (especially younger ones) for clear progress to happen. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage my students to learn at their own pace and push them when I see I can. I do not want to deter my students from liking what they do. I try to find the passion for a style of music and bring it out in my students while connecting that style to other styles to show the student that styles are idiosynchratic, but that they can also interchange with other styles. Read More