Austin A
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Piano, Voice
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk
Austin A
Instruments: Violin, Viola, Piano, Voice
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Folk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 5-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
BA, The State University of New York at Fredonia, Viola Performance
Awards:
2018- Performed the Schumann Cello Concerto with Zuill Bailey 2016- Awarded the Juliet J. Rosch Music Scholarship 2014- Performed the Telemann Viola Concerto with Dr. Frank Foerster 2013- Received the Old Bridge High School Most Musical Senior Superlative and Scholarship 2013- Received the Old Bridge High School Orchestra Award
Overview:
Hello! My name is Austin and I'm a violinist and violist here in the Long Island, NY area. I recently graduated from The State University of New York at Fredonia with my degree in Viola Performance. My musical career has mostly been focused on playing orchestral and chamber music. I have played in orchestras featuring soloists, Grammy Winning cellist Zuill Bailey and violinist Rachael Lee. My teachers include Principal Violist of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Frank Foerster and most recently, David William Rose, former Assistant Principal Violist of the San Fransico Symphony and part of the Grammy Award-winning Mahler recording Cycle. I've played music from all eras and many styles including Classical, Jazz, Folk, and Fiddling. I have a passion for playing the violin and viola, as well as for teaching.
EXPERIENCE
My teaching experience began 6 years ago when I was a high school senior. I began teaching students in my local orchestras, as well as adults wanting to start out. When I moved back to Long Island after graduation, I began teaching the same age levels. In New York, students are often encouraged to participate in NYSSMA Festivals, thus I have gained extensive experience preparing students for violin and viola solos. I like having my students take advantage of any school/local recital opportunities that might arise as it provides great experience. My students get to choose some of their repertoire and lesson content as it makes it more enjoyable for them. I do require all students to play scales as they provide an essential foundation for all that they will play. I strive for my students to love playing violin and viola and for them to show off what they learn to their friends and family to spread the joy that music provides.
METHODS USED
Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. As a student progresses, I'll introduce Suzuki books as well as NYSSMA graded repertoire. I also try to split lessons so that half is spent on technique and scale work and the other half on music/repertoire.
LESSON STYLE
My teaching style is strongly based on the constructivist method of learning. What that means is I prefer to help students by means of demonstrating skills( Left/ right-hand technique, excerpts from music, etc.), to scaffold their learning, and to help them overcome challenges by means of critical thinking and problem-solving. Setting practice goals and also keeping a practice journal is an effective way to keep students on track with their playing development. Rewarding students with free-improvisation time at the end of their lesson is something I have found to be effective in keeping lessons fun and interesting. The most important thing with lessons is to keep them fun so you or your child wants to continue. Tailoring the wants and needs of a student into their lesson plan is crucial and I am very capable of doing just that.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
Leave a Review
Leave a Review
RATING & REVIEW
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.