Viola Lessons in Baltimore, MD

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My main goal is to create a positive, productive and enjoyable learning experience for my students. In my lessons, I am helping my students to learn not only the particular technique or element but some aspects of music history as well as composers' background and important facts about musical styles. Each semester I have a recital for my students where they can share their progress and excitement about the lessons and music. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My teaching philosophy revolves around nurturing musical independence among my students. It is my goal that they can confidently approach a piece, making informed decisions about both technical and musical aspects. To facilitate this, I employ creative mnemonic techniques, transforming complex concepts into catchy and memorable phrases. By integrating multiple schools of music and violin playing, including Russian, French, and American traditions, I provide students with a holistic foundation. My approach blends technical exercises inherited from pedagogues like Ivan Galamian with interpretive insights gained from world-class musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days in Toronto, where I started teaching privately. I started teaching part-time about 5 years ago, and have been consistently teaching since. I am fortunate that I get to work with a lot of young kids, and get to introduce them to the world of music and help them develop their passion early on. Teaching is a great source of energy for me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

I started leading choirs as a teenager and have grown from there. I've taught theory and composition internationally (See a final project video on my profile), and taught violin and viola here in the States. I like to emphasize the importance of theory and composition throughout all lessons, as well as learning by play - music is an art of expression first and foremost. Anyone can learn to read music and play it aloud, but it is only those brave enough to relate it to themselves that truly become musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 12 years of experience teaching at all levels. I encourage my students to participate in recitals, competitions, and orchestra auditions to gain performance experience and to help motivate them to practice. I also find that performing can give students a sense of accomplishment and seeing their peers perform can be inspiring. I usually host two recitals yearly. The student may perform solo or with a pianist. I have also helped many students prepare for auditions. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style for young beginners is fun and encouraging. I stay very positive to encourage and motivate them. There is nothing like seeing young students staying focused and playing very confidently and feel good about themselves. That is very rewarding to me. I also show them how to practice with a clear demonstration and I like to build them up with good basics like good intonation, accurate rhythm and counting observing the dynamics and bowings carefully. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More