Violin Lessons in Pleasantville, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

I believe you already on your journey to who you want to be, so it is just a privilege to help and watch you get there. I am big on encouragement as well as introspection, so that when I'm not around, you know the questions to ask to work through any challenges you may be experience. Getting you out of your comfort zone is also a focus of mine. A lot of people are closer to their goals than they think, if they would just try. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I use the Essential Elements book 1. This book introduces the student to the instrument in the most practical way while making it fun, and it has the student reading music from the beginning, which I find very important. After this, we go on to Suzuki book 2 and a scale book. Then we move our way through the Suzuki books and start to incorporate more complex scales and etudes. 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

I have been teaching consistently since the summer of 2013, working with students of all ages and ability. Although I specialize in violin performance and pedagogy, I have also spent a significant amount of time teaching piano, music theory, and harmony. I believe that consistent practice, alongside warm encouragement and motivation is the key to any kind of success when teaching music. Over the years, I have learned that teaching violin and music does not have to be done solely on the instrument, and I like to spend time developing a strong sense of harmony and rhythm by playing small practice games throughout a lesson- especially with children. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

I started teaching in high school, and I've been teaching consistently for the past 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with my method based on a combination of the Suzuki method, a base of the European School, and my intuition and vision of each student. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More