Violin Lessons in Shanor Northvue, PA

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I started on violin in 4th grade and switched to viola in 6th grade.  I was involved in private lessons, youth orchestras, competitions, City, District, Regional and All State orchestras while I was growing up.  In 1991 I graduated from the State University of New York with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Music.  From there I attended Carnegie Mellon University and received my Music Education Certification in 1995.  I received my Masters in Music in 2000 from the University of Denver. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Recorder Fiddle Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I strongly believe that every person can succeed in music given proper attention and opportunity, and therefore focus my lessons differently for individual students according to their skills and interests. For beginning students, unless they are adults or already proficient in another instrument, I always start with my favorite method books to ensure the fundamentals are firmly established. I usually realy on Alfred's Basic Piano Course, Strictly Strings, Suzuki, or Essental Elements depending on the instrument I'm teaching. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Flute Piccolo Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Once again, my philosophy with teaching has always been learning through fun and engaging activities that enhance a lesson. I want my space to be open, fun and positive. Nothing is worse than dreading a lesson or time together. I want the students to be willing to take chances and risks that lead to accomplishing their goals. I want the students to have input within their lessons when it comes to the music itself and how they want to progress. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I have been teaching private lessons for the last 6 years and began teaching in the public school system in spring of 2022. This fall, I will be a long-term substitute orchestra teacher for North Allegheny School District. My education at Duquesne was entirely focused on music education. I took various courses in instrument methodology for brass, woodwind, and string instruments, and studied leading pedagogy practices from distinguished educators. I studied cello with PSO musician Adam Liu, and performed challenging works for solo cello in my studio as well as orchestral works with the full Duquesne Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I have a "less talk, more play" approach to music. People learn instruments because they want to play music, and that is always the focus in my lessons. While some instructors incessantly talk about theory, history, and other music concepts, I prefer to keep the talking to a minimum and have my students play their instrument as much as possible. I also tend to move at a quick pace, but I always adapt my pacing to meet the needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele Music Acoustic Guitar

I have plenty of experience teaching, and playing in orchestras. I have been teaching for over 8 years and I have experience teaching in different settings, group classes, and one-on-one private lessons. I am a certified Suzuki violin teacher by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. I have experience working with children starting at 3 years old, teenagers, and adult people. As I said before, I also play in Orchestras: I am part of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra and the Butler County Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For younger students (less than 5), I think Suzuki method would probably work best! We would focus on small exercises to establish good posture and sound while learning mainly through imitation and listening. When a student is able, I do encourage some theory as to read music fluently and gain understanding of basic musical concepts. At this age, I also encourage weekly technical exercises (scales, etudes) to improve ability and fluidity of playing. Read More