Viola Lessons in Darien, CT

Instruments: Viola

I was first introduced to viola through the Suzuki method, and so I am extremely familiar and comfortable with that method and have mostly taught that method as well. If the student is in school, as mentioned above, I will usually start by seeing what they need to learn and have been doing/learning there, and work from that point. For students more advanced or wanting to learn outside of the Suzuki method, I have many "starter" books at my home that I am happy to teach from for learning notes, rhythms, and other short songs, and will suggest etude books and scale books, such as Carl Flesch. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Before anything, I find out what the goal of the lesson is. I always want to know what the students want, so I can plan around them. The lesson will always be about the student! After discussing the goal of the lesson, we will find repertoire, etudes, or other materials that either benefit the student technically, or will simply be enjoyable to the student. Since the goal of the student can either be anything, including playing professional recitals, or simply playing a Taylor Swift song from the radio, my priority will be that the student is enjoying their craft. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

MyteachingexpiencebeganinformallywhenIwasinmiddleschoolinChinahelpingelementaryschoolstudentspracticeandworkontheirtechnique.MyformalteachingexperiencebeganwhenIwasajuniorincollegeandbeganworkingasaprofessionalteacherontheweekend.Ialwaystrytomakemylessonsfunandfocusonthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splaying.Ihavehadtheopportunitytostudywithworld-classsoloistsandmemebersoftheprestigiousorchestrasandIalwaystrytopassonthewordsofwisdomthattheseteachershavegivenme.Iencouragemystudentstofocusontraditionalgoalssuchascompetitionsandfestivals,butalsopursuepopularmusicandnon-classicalmusic.IhavesuccessfullytaughtstudentsofanyageandIamalsoexcitedtoworkwithnewstudentsandhelpthemdiscovertheirfullmusicalability. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Cello Viola Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Latin Percussion Music

Jennifer is an eclectic violinist, violist and, composer from Beaver, Pennsylvania. Her passion is to connect people through the power of music, whether it is teaching privately in the Greater Chicago area, or performing and composing with her multi-genre ensemble, Inside Voice(s). In recent years, Jennifer performed with Kaki King on the New York Public Radio. She was an orchestral member in Jacob Collier’s Imagination of the Charts and Djesse concerts as well as in Terrance Blanchard’s orchestral performance of A Tale of God’s Will. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I have served as a judge for several violin competitions throughout the country, including the CAL ASTA Solo Competition and The Chamber Music Institute's summer concerto competition. As a member of the American String Teachers Association, I also regularly attend conferences and seminars to further my own knowledge as a violin teacher. As a teacher, I am comfortable starting the youngest of beginners, as well as training pre-conservatory violinists and adult beginners. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching style is all about getting the student to love music! There is nothing else that will be a greater and more honest motivator than loving what they are doing. Singing, games and dancing are great when the little ones get distracted or discouraged. I make sure to let everyone know that music isn't easy; it's hard and takes a lot of hard work and practice. But it is worth every minute of being able to play anything you desire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My primary objective is to always focus my lessons around student's wants and needs, whether it is technique, training in music theory, or in basic fundamentals . Read More