Violin Lessons in West Cornwall, CT

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin since my undergraduate days at The University of Connecticut, in their celebrated Suzuki Pedagogi program. From there on to the Hartt School and ever since, with a private studio in my home for 20 years and instructing and designing string programs in the Greater Hartford Area including the Hatford Public School System and Hartford Conservatory also within the East Hartford and Glastonbury school systems. While inviting innovation, my teaching philosophy is steeped in the traditional values of focus and dedication, for which there are no substitutes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet

I have a very creative teaching style. My emphasis is on student-centered learning. Learning should not solely be myself giving instruction and the students listening. In order for students to grow, discovery on their part needs to happen through guided questioning. The more this happens, the more that students are inclined to make their own discoveries and become their own teachers/motivators for improvement. I am also a firm believer in having the student explore who their musical heroes are. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, i can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For my string students I teach music theory only if requested, as many don't have access to pianos/keyboards at home so they can understand harmony, chord progressions etc. Without a keyboard understanding harmonic progressions can be very challenging. Experience has taught me that the joy of music comes only to those who get a solid foundation and knowledge. Many students begin with great enthusiasm, only to get frustrated after a while when they find themselves stuck year after year with beginner level music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For me, the best part of teaching is helping students grow, and helping them realize their musical abilities and self-reliance. I feel that my role as a teacher is to present new information or challenges, and aid the student in learning how to address those challenges on their own. I find that this encourages the students to want to learn more and more to expand their own musical and technical literacy, and it makes them much more prepared for individual practice, ensemble playing, and future challenges where they have to rely on themselves. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ibelieveeveryonehasthepotentialtobeagreatmusician,itisjustamatterofdisciplineandfocus.Whilepracticingisdefinitelyimportant,itisn'taboutjustspendingtimewithyourinstrument,itisaboutpracticingthecorrectway.BypracticingthecorrectwayIamreferringtopropertechnique,breakingdowndifferentaspectofyourplaying(bowarm,lefthand,etc),andsettinggoalsforyourpractice.Iencouragemystudentstostartexperiencethejoysofperformingevenattheverybeginningandworktofindsolorepertoirethatisaccessibleandalsofun.MusichasbroughtmesomuchjoyandasateacherItrytofindwaysformystudentstoexperiencetheexcitmentthatplayingmusicoffers Read More