Violin Lessons in Montvale, NJ

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

While I do not subscribe to any particular school of study, such as Suzuki or Schrimer's, I am a firm beleiver in starting off with my students at their current level and pace. Once I have assessed a students's personal ability, there is discussion of what goals/objectives the student wshes to achieve. Once we have decided what direction the student wishes to take with their instrument, I typically use a variety of etudes, chamber, and solo music to offer both a strong technical base along with a freedom of choice. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My approach to teaching is to share my love for music with my students. I will allow students to go at their own pace, and set realistic goals and expectations. I like to focus on intonation heavily, as anything other than excellent intonation is not good playing, in the words of a former instructor. I also encourage creative expression in my students, and will often ask them to try different methods of playing a single phrase in order to increase the depth of their musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

This teaches the student to be prepared, confident and expressive in their playing. There is a special bond that takes place when playing chamber music. They have to be certain in what they are playing and communicate with other musicians what they are trying to get across and portray in any particular piece. This is important even in the young students after they have learned and feel comfortable with the basic technique of their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For very young beginning students, I usually start with Shirley Givens' Adventures in Violinland. After some time, I like to switch to the Suzuki books to encourage training their ears. Each student is very different, and I cater and switch method books based on each student's individual need. For all ages, I encourage them to listen to violinists they enjoy on YouTube, and choose pieces they want to learn. Even if what they choose is a challenge, I believe they will be more inspired to work hard to learn the piece if they chose it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I have been a student of the art since I was 11 years old. I studied at Five Towns College and have since performed with all manner of ensembles including Musical Theatre, Rock and Pop, Metal, Blues, and Opera. As well as teaching and performing, I am also an experienced guitar technician and repair professional. Music, and my commitment to my students has been my life for as long as memory serves. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am warm and caring, and love to make my students laugh! I find that making mistakes can be much more beneficial than striving for perfection, and use these moments as crucial learning tools for students to move forward. I set goals with, not for, my students, and ask them to self evaluate before I give them my feedback. I provide students with detailed, structured practice plans that work with their schedules, and have high expectations for their time with their instrument (with, or without me). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I draw inspiration largely from my Rudolf Steiner-inspired pre-college education and my Carl Orff-inspired higher education. Waldorf/Steiner education "emphasizes the role of imagination in learning, striving to integrate holistically the intellectual, practical, and artistic development of pupils" while the Orff Approach "combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to child's world of play." Read More