Viola Lessons in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have ten years experience teaching the violin and viola. I have taught students as young as seven, as well as students at the undergraduate level. I develop challenging goals and practice routines for each individual student based on their own motivations and potential. My own career as a performer and understanding of the competitive nature of classical music performance informs the standards I set for my students. Though I am willing to to provide casual lessons to the amateur or hobbyist, I will mentor serious students to pursue achieve the highest standards. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

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: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For my students learning guitar, bass guitar or ukulele, I recommend the Hal Leonard Series. Depending on the age and level of the student, there are a number of options to pick from, which allows me to get just the right fit! Along with the method book, I recommend what's called a blank TAB book which is used to write down chords, exercises and songs. Although the method books are important in guiding the students' progress and developing their technique, they are just a piece of the bigger picture. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

In highschool I worked with a music mentoring program.  I would travel to local elementary schools and teach children from 2nd to 4th grade violin in small groups.  This cultivated my love of teaching.  Though in college I never had the opportunity to teach privately due to my busy schedule, during breaks I would often give masterclass style lessons to students of my former teacher Michael Bandimere when they were preparing for performances or auditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

As Shinichi Suzuki said, musical harmony breeds social harmony; to learn and make music together helps us all. For this I have grown the string and choral programs in Elmhurst's 51st Avenue Academy; taught violin, viola, and chamber music at the Queens College Center for Preparatory Studies in Music; led the Stony Brook Pre-College chamber music program; taught strings and chorus in Kiev, Ukraine; taught graduate education courses at Touro College online; and enjoy teaching music at NJ's Calderone School. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More