Violin Lessons in Rye Brook, NY

Instruments: Violin

Music communicates what words cannot. My teaching philosophy is based on an open dialogue, creating a comfortable, fun, and curious learning environment. Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. -Victor Hugo. I teach practical violin lessons in cooperation with music appreciation and listening, music theory, and music history. Students will quickly apprehend the joy of expressing and speaking through the violin. Read More

Instruments: Violin

When I was two years old, I saw a young girl play the violin in a concert. I was so inspired that I begged my parents to let me begin violin lessons. Finally, at five years old, I stood proudly with my tiny violin and have not put it down since. Playing the violin has taken me around the world for various performances, music festivals, and teaching workshops. I have performed as a soloist with the New York Concerti Sinfonietta in Carnegie Hall, traveled to three different continents for music festival concerts, and co-founded the Heartbeat Project and the Joining Hands Project. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a basic book like Fiddle Magic by Sally O'Reilly. Once the student has grasped the fundamentals, I will move on to the Suzuki Books. Along with teaching from the Suzuki Book, I will supplement their learning with an etude book such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer. After a certain point, I will start working on pieces and concertos not in the Suzuki books anymore. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Synthesizer Harmonica Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that creativity is important and I use Alfred and Hal Leonard books as well as theory books to help with the lessons. 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. I also try to teach music theory, chord progressions and all the musical scales in the major keys. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Voice methodology is to learn how to make the correct sound on the flow of breath.  One must learn how to breathe whether singing loudly or softly in whichever style or genre the student wants to learn. String playing can be hard on the ears when beginning, therefore it is important to develop a good bow technique in order to make the best sound possible.  I use the All For Strings method books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I encourage my students to learn at their own pace and push them when I see I can. I do not want to deter my students from liking what they do. I try to find the passion for a style of music and bring it out in my students while connecting that style to other styles to show the student that styles are idiosynchratic, but that they can also interchange with other styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

When I think of music, I always think of the quote: "Where words fail, music speaks," by Hans Christian Anderson.  When I am teaching, nothing means more to me than seeing one of my students who was shy and not confident with themselves grow into a confident and enthusiastic person, both with music and in their life. I believe it's important to make sure this happens by recognizing and acknowledging that every student progresses at their own pace, has different needs, and has a different personality. Read More