Viola Lessons in Belford, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola

Playing a string instrument is very difficult and for a student to really flourish as a musician requires that they develop confidence and discipline. I find that the relationship between a music student and teacher is one that develops skills for life, not just musical techniques. I feel very thankful to my own teachers for showing me how powerful my hard work and dedication was, how fun and exciting music can be, and most importantly that their criticisms of my playing always meant that they believed in me. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

My first violin student started with me 9 years ago during my undergraduate studies in Utah. I realized that teaching is much different than performing and started taking classes to be a better instructor. I grew up studying the Suzuki books and have registered Violin Teacher Training Units 1-4 with the Suzuki Association of the Americas. In college, I studied Violin Pedagogy with the esteemed pedagogue Dr. Kasia Sokol-Borup who demonstrated how to enhance the Suzuki method with other styles of teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Since then I have been employed at over 4 different studios, and I still teach privately. It is my main source of income and my life's passion. I encourage all of my students to pursue performance opportunities, anything from playing for family in the basement to big recitals with huge crowds. Performing and sharing art is one of the best parts of being a musician, and it isn't nearly emphasized enough in many schools of educational thought. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I will ask you to stick with lessons even through struggles of slow progress so that you will not have to synthesize quite as much information on your own and to practice consistently to achieve the best results. Keep the video of your first lesson and review it occasionally, then see how far you've come. Play in front of people as much as you can, and build ways to maintain composure as you perform. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

You can get away with Just fifteen minutes of practice each day and you will still see improvement, but only if it is consistent. For those that aren't necessarily interested in going down that road, that's ok! In the end it's about what is fulfilling to you. I am always more than happy to make our time more exploratory and free form. This is especially important with very young students, though I'd encourage this attitude with all ages. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I value my ability to tailor lessons and my curriculum to the particular needs and goals of each individual student. I truly believe that there is not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to learning the violin! I have created my own combination of sequential exercises and repertoire selections, using influences from pedagogues that I have studied under, including Shirley Givens, Bettina Mussumeli, and Elizabeth Faidley, and major pedagogy styles including that of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

I believe in teaching future string musicians there is only one way to make the best sound and teaching how to do this from the beginning. I want the students to understand how their instrument works by demystifying the mechanics. Once the student knows how to use the instrument, they can then discover the music and their voice in the music. For string instruments, I use the Suzuki books and Artistry in Strings method. Read More