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BA, Fairfield University, Violin Performance, English Literature, Gender Studies
2009 - Performed with Shepaug Choir at Carnegie Hall 2015 - Music in the motion picture Fantastic Four 2015 - Music in the MTV television show Scream
Teaching is my passion and calling, i can't think of doing anything else! In 2013 I graduated from Fairfield University with a triple major in English, Gender Studies, and Violin Performance. While studying at University I started my band with my sister, Verdigrls. We have gone on to put out an EP, play all over the NY metropolitan area as well as have our music featured in movies and television. Teaching for the past six years has given me perspective as to what individual students need. Besides teaching the fundamentals of the particular instrument, I want my students to get creative and involved with the musical process. This means writing their own music and performing for their friends and loved ones. Confidence, creativity and passion can make all the difference.
I started my teaching career my sophomore year of college while studying the performing arts. I first began teaching at a music school in Greenwich, CT after being referred by my orchestra conductor. After teaching there for a few months i was then recommended by a fellow teacher to instruct at a school in Darien, CT as well as their sister store where I developed a strong clientele. After teaching for the past six years i know that this is my passion in life. Creating a safe and creative learning environment is what cultivates excited and motivated students and musicians.
I have available for trial lessons are instruments (mostly violins one viola) to use! This will give the student a chance to really know if they want to play that particular instrument without having to go in renting blind. I also have a few names of rental places and would be more than happy to accompany a student for a fitting. I tend to use the Suzuki books as a base for my string lessons. After my own experience with it as well as teaching it, Suzuki has great techniques and music for getting students experience in sight-reading, ear training, and memorization. With the youngest students I start with the fundamentals such as naming the different parts of the instrument and some basic rules with notes. Acronyms and games are always the best way to memorize the different rules. I write out detailed lessons plans for each individual student, constructed specifically for their learning process. Everything is written out clearly for both student and parent/guardian to go over together.
My teaching style is all about getting the student to love music! There is nothing else that will be a greater and more honest motivator than loving what they are doing. Singing, games and dancing are great when the little ones get distracted or discouraged. I make sure to let everyone know that music isn't easy; it's hard and takes a lot of hard work and practice. But it is worth every minute of being able to play anything you desire. Even when students are learning the simplest of notes I will have them write their own songs and exercise. By doing this, the student is much more connected to the music and the exercises that I am sneaking in there. By the end of the lesson they won't want to stop! Keeping the lessons fun and enlightening engages the student from beginning and beyond.