Violin Lessons in Sayville, NY

Instruments: Guitar Violin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With Violin Students, I like to start with the Suzuki method, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, as well as some basic 1 octave scales. The first book of Suzuki is taught mainly by ear, while in the background I am also teaching rhythm with the Essential Elements material. With production songwriting and guitar, I like to work on basic chord shapes, chord changes and basic music theory so the student can understand the concepts clearly. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin

I use the "bel canto" technique in my approach to singing, which translates to "beautiful singing". To me, beauty of sounds is the most important thing. Establishing a solid technique for singing healthily comes first, and artistry will follow. Technique and artistry are dependent upon each other. I like to recognize the accomplishments of my students and always encourage them to strive for more, because no artist is ever perfect! 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 Electric Violin Fiddle

I love to help each student reach their own individual creative potential.  I give them a good foundation in technique, form, ear traning, and artistic expression, but encourage them to find a piece of music or a musical style that they enjoy to pursue and make sure to save time in each lesson to work on that material.  In terms of developing technique and musical skills, I am very detail-oriented and have clear lesson plans for each class, which I outline in each student's individual lesson notebook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Each student develops at their own pace. To improve quickly, practice is very necessary.  To improve slowly, lessons may be what guides your practice time. It is up to the student (and parent).  I like to keep the pace moving, but repeat as much as necessary to build a firm foundation. I definitely work with the music that you are interested in and want to perform. I help you to understand how to overcome nervousness and how to feel comfortable performing in front of small or large crowds. 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: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am a violinist of 20 years, originally from New Haven, CT. My passion for helping each student reach his or her highest potential has led me to an extensive career in public school teaching. I have taught violin, viola, cello, and double bass privately for over 10 years. I have spent the last 5 years focusing on reaching students of all abilities through teaching in the public classroom- working with students of all ages, and teaching general music, band, and orchestra. Read More