Violin Lessons in Northfield, CT

Instruments: Violin Viola

Olivia Van Mater (most know as Olivia Moaddel) currently works as the Assistant Director of the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division. She will be working as both the Assistant Director and the Violin Professor at the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Summer Camp in July of 2024. She has been playing violin for 24 years and has studied extensively with renowned performers and teachers Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Yehonatan Berick, Katie Lansdale, Ronald Copes, Lucie Robert, David Kim, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I consider myself a teacher first and performer second. Teaching is my calling and also in my blood I have been teaching violin, viola and piano for the past 30+ years. I am equally skilled on all 3. I have been on the faculty of a music school in my area since 1994. However I have always kept a private studio as well.   I have worked with beginner to advanced students from all different backgrounds with great success in helping them acquire the essential skills for independence. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching experience started when I was in high school. A lot of children in my neighborhood wanted to learn violin and piano, I suddenly became the neighborhood teacher at just 17! After college I continued teaching privately. I have also taught in public and privet schools. My main passion in teaching is to help ANYONE who wants the gift of playing an instrument. What a thrill it is to see the smile on my students faces when they get on stage and enjoy playing their solo in a recital, or watching my students play in an orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet

I have a very creative teaching style. My emphasis is on student-centered learning. Learning should not solely be myself giving instruction and the students listening. In order for students to grow, discovery on their part needs to happen through guided questioning. The more this happens, the more that students are inclined to make their own discoveries and become their own teachers/motivators for improvement. I am also a firm believer in having the student explore who their musical heroes are. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Electric Violin Music

For all of my students, I let them pick a song (vocal) or piece (violin) that they would like to sing or play. This way I can analyze what level they are on. For my voice students, I start with vocal warm-up exercises of the different vowels. It helps me to understand their range as well as tone of voice. For my violin students, I usually stick with the Suzuki Method, or Essential Elements books, if they are in the more beginning stages. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I tend to use the Suzuki Method for my students. I find that it helps create a solid foundation for the student and includes repertoire that is familiar to many. In addition to the Suzuki Method, I like to use etude books, duet books, and sight-reading books for those who are learning how to read music. I also like to incorporate Music Theory for all ages to gain more knowledge of how music works. Read More