Viola Lessons in Chester Heights, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

I LOVE to see my students with a SMILE on their face when we together find possible solutions for any technical difficulties they encounter. The beauty and novelty of the solution that emerged in the process of solving complex tasks can bring an astounding joy of creativity. I am convinced that only a creative instructor can foster a creatively thinking student. Therefore, to prepare the student for self-creative activity, I must actively enrich knowledge and share my experience with students, update and design study material depending on intellectual and psychological aspects of students, be aware of their interests and individual traits so that in the future they can use the knowledge and skills to apply not only at school but also in life. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy follows the belief that musical understanding and maturity are easier to discuss once the student is able to execute a variety of technical details. I often say that technique is teaching a student how to make ten shades of blue, but musicality is deciding which shade of blue to use. Musicality can be more subjective than technique, although there are certain guidelines for each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in various studios since then. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I first began teaching in high school, where I would tutor the younger middle school students. As my education progressed, so did my teaching experience. I attended American University, where I received my bachelor's degree in music performance, and then continued to study at Northwestern University, where I received my master's degree. After graduating, I started working at an El Sistema inspired program, called Sistema Ravinia in Chicago, where I was one of the first teachers. Read More

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

I recommend that my students start off with a short amount of time practicing so it doesn't seem too overwhelming, and then you can add time from there. As my students start playing songs they enjoy and connect with, I find that their practicing time increases and it is usually because they want to and it doesn't feel as much like a chore. This is how I feel playing an instrument should be! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Excellent, nurturing Suzuki violin pedagogy - treating music as a mother tongue to absorb, imitate, and engage with - informs my methods for beginning and intermediate students. Gradually, as the student shows readiness, we blend in the traditional yet humane study of expert violin playing and thoughtful musicianship modeled for me in Dorothy DeLay's masterclass. As distinct from many string players, I am also a devoted and accomplished singer. So breathing, posture, phrasing, color, line, and articulation are key to my approaches to making and teaching music, and thus to helping my students x22singx22 through their playing. Read More