Violin Lessons in Riverhead, NY

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I am as passionate about creating and performing music as I am about teaching music to others. I have worked with professionals and my own students to create compositions that have been published to television and film, and I have coached students who now perform worldwide. My favorite thing about teaching is helping my students connect to music for the first time and watching that passion grow. As an audio engineer and producer, I can coach students in music and also the music industry. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

Teaching has been my profession since before my college days, when I begun by teaching guitar lessons to classmates. Since college, it has been my primary occupation. I lead by example as a musician, and I encourage regular quality practice and cultivate an attitude of discipline and a drive to greatness. A cross-discipline in music is my primary approach to teaching, and I make a point of educating my students in how to communicate with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ialwaystellmystudentsthattheycanacheiveanythingtheywantanditisjustamatterofsettinggoals.EveryonedevelopsattheirownpaceandIalwaystrytoidentitywhatisholdingastudentbackfromreachingx22thenextlevel.x22Ialwaysemphasisthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splayingandtrytobuildonwhattheyhavealreadyacheived.Thegoaloftheteacheristoinspirethestudentandalsotailormyinstructiononwhatastudentneedsandwantstoachievewiththeirmusic. 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 Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I began teaching during high school as a supervised intern observing and teaching both small groups of orchestra students and private lessons. Since then, I've gained independence and have taught students in a variety of settings, both individual and group, and to ages ranging from young beginner to adults. Self growth and striving for self improvement is an important tenet of my teaching, and I encourage it in both my students and myself. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning piano students who are children, I usually start with John Thompson's "Teaching Little Fingers To Play."  Once the student has progressed and becomes more familiar with reading the notes in both clefs, I will begin to introduce solo pieces of music that the child picks out of the choices I present to them.  I do this to help encourage and reward the child with their success.  For adult piano students, I find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly. Read More