Viola Lessons in Holtsville, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is by assigning studies and etudes to develop fundamentals while simultaneously incorporating the learnt fundamentals into “real-time”, on the job training! I have learned all of my most valuable lessons while performing and being put on the spot; I will teach my students how to be prepared for any situation, not only in regard to music but also in relation to life, by having a calm and steady approach to the task at hand! 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 Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I'm a musician and writer based in Uptown with 16 years of experience playing Violin and Viola. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2018 and have studied Viola with Ronald Houston, currently teaching at Southern Methodist University, and Doyle Armbrust of the Spektral Quartet. I am currently a member of the Chelsea Symphony, was formerly the principal Violist of the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and I'm a former fellow with the National Symphony Orchestra's summer festival in Washington, D.C. 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

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Acoustic Guitar

Music can be a very intimate practice. To share, create and collaborate can be challenging if not fostered in the beginning of musical education. Lending students a safe and educational place to create can lead to great confidence that spans all areas of life and study. Because of this, I encourage involvement in the community where possible. For instance, I most recently had my violin students collaborate with the local youth guitar orchestra to perform a small concert series. 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