Viola Lessons in Cortlandt, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

There is 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: Piano Violin Viola

I believe in teaching fundamental principles of technique that can be applied universally, and I encourage students to focus on one basic idea at a time. Scales, arpeggios, etudes and other exercises are an important part of daily practice, reinforced by weekly technique classes. In the study of technique, it is critical that students set attainable goals for themselves, and I help them to organize their practice time with this in mind. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners who are children, I start with the essential Suzuki method which includes a focus on musical listening imitation, parental involvement (at very young ages) and creating an effortless technique. The Suzuki books are great in that they provide a great foundation and an extremely logical progression for taking students from complete beginners to an advanced level. For advanced students, we can branch out into a wide variety of classical concertos or other repertoire (this happens around Suzuki book 6) I love to teach adults, and I try to structure my teaching in accordance with adult students' goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I teach out of my home studio in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, as well as through Zoom to students worldwide. I have both a Master's and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where I was concertmaster of the Conservatory Orchestra and the recipient of the full-ride Sergei Barsukov Violin Scholarship. In addition to my private studio, I am an active performer in several professional chamber music ensembles and a Teaching Artist for the Midori & Friends Foundation here in New York, as well as on faculty for Elizabeth Faidley Studios. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have taught a range of students from kids to teenagers to adults on violin, viola, piano, and drums. I have taught at churches, summer camps, colleges, student homes, and schools. I have taught a variety of genres, but classical music is certainly my forte. I currently teach at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, NY, where I also teach students after school as well, so I have a surplus of experience working with students of varying ages in a professional and nonprofessional environment. Read More