Violin Lessons in Valhalla, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

Having worked with a variety of musicians, I now know that a real teacher needs to be a human of great discipline and compassion. I sincerely believe in a healthy and holistic approach to teaching. This is why I am always concentrating on the mental and physical well-being of my students first. I pay particular attention to mental readiness, self-confidence, and stage-fright control. For instance, I offer my students some breathing exercises or ask them to write a good self-critique as homework. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon English Horn Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is heavily student focused: By listening to my student's voice and choice, I want to work together to create musical goals for them that we can develop as we progress. While I believe in creating a learning environment focused on intrinsic motivation, I hope my positive attitude and love for music can serve as a source of inspiration for my students! The most important aspect of any lesson is the joy that we bring to it, which is crucial to us developing musical skills and beautiful music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Every student is different; therefore there is no one method or strategy that will work universally. I create tailored lesson plans for each student taking into account age, experience, personality and learning style. Lessons can include ear training, music history, harmony, sight reading and improvisation depending on the level and goal of the student. When working with young children, I typically use games and activities and follow Mimi Zweigs principle of violin teaching, which is based on natural physical motions nurtured in a non-judgmental environment. Read More

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

I have also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students to enjoy his or her instrument and to motivate them to practice and continue to learn. I do my best to have fun with the students. I also encourage my students 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: 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

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For beginner students, I use the Essential Elements for strings (books 1 and 2). In conjunction with these books, I select a repertoire that corresponds with their current abilities, and work my way up from there. For adults and more advanced students, I use various technical studies such as Sevcik, Kreutzer, and Rode, and standard Rep using the International editions. Regardless of the age or skill level, I always strive to maintain constant engagement and motivation throughout my lessons, whether online or in person. Read More