Violin Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

Born into a musical family, violinist and fiddler I began studying classical music under his father at the age of five. Drawing on influences as diverse as rock, jazz, classical, country, and Indian music, Bens technical prowess and improvisational ideas give him a truly unique and fascinating musical style. Having studied under several of the worlds greatest musicians and educators(Dr. Yusef Lateef, Dr. Karaikudi Subramanian, Steve Coleman, Julie Lyonn-Lieberman, Will Taylor, Martin Norgaard), I haveBen has incorporated a variety of innovative concepts into both his playing and pedagogical strategies, the result of which is a truly holistic approach to music. 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 Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I first discovered my love of teaching in college, more than 10 years ago. Since then, I have made it my mission to make learning informative, engaging, and fun. It is important to encourage regular and consistent practice time during the week in between lessons so we can use our lesson time most productively and make your learning experience more enjoyable. My students are encouraged to participate in recitals and competitions to give them a goal to work towards, help keep them motivated, and give them a way to measure their progress and accomplishments.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I have been teaching music for over 15 years as a private teacher and also a class violin instructor and orchestra director.  I have also served for many years as an adjudicator for Massachussetts All State Orchestras. Currently, I have an active private studio and teach 4 days a week at a public school in Brooklyn, leading a string orchestra there and teaching group violin, viola, and cello classes.  There are about 300 students in my program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I put great emphasis on establishing a very good control on the technique of violin. I do it by teaching students how to do scales and etudes while having fun and making themselves more motivated by setting their own goals and achieving them, which also builds up their confidence. After students get more and more in command of themselves and the violin, I would then proceed to help the students with their own repertoire and guide them to formulate their own musical ideas and make their own voice be heard! Read More