Violin Lessons in Melville, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Having worked with a variety of musicians, I now know that a real teacher needs to be a human of great discipline and compassion. I sincerely believe in a healthy and holistic approach to teaching. This is why I am always concentrating on the mental and physical well-being of my students first. I pay particular attention to mental readiness, self-confidence, and stage-fright control. For instance, I offer my students some breathing exercises or ask them to write a good self-critique as homework. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I value my ability to tailor lessons and my curriculum to the particular needs and goals of each individual student. I truly believe that there is not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to learning the violin! I have created my own combination of sequential exercises and repertoire selections, using influences from pedagogues that I have studied under, including Shirley Givens, Bettina Mussumeli, and Elizabeth Faidley, and major pedagogy styles including that of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland. 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

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

My lessons with young beginners tend do be focus on very specific skills. For instance, a 7 year old book 1 student learning "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" will do exercises focusing on bow holds, violin posture, tone production, bow distribution, and articulation. She will sing each phrase of the song, and clap the rhythm of each phrase of the song. Overall, it is this incredibly detailed approach that facilitates excellence as she moves forward. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Before anything, I find out what the goal of the lesson is. I always want to know what the students want, so I can plan around them. The lesson will always be about the student! After discussing the goal of the lesson, we will find repertoire, etudes, or other materials that either benefit the student technically, or will simply be enjoyable to the student. Since the goal of the student can either be anything, including playing professional recitals, or simply playing a Taylor Swift song from the radio, my priority will be that the student is enjoying their craft. Read More