Viola Lessons in Livonia, MI

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I take the great things about the Suzuki Method and use them (fun, creativity, by-ear learning, group jams). Then I take the things I don't like about the method and disregard them (pre-established repetoire, no composition or improv). I teach kids how to concentrate, how to teach themselves, how to ignore distractions, and the philosophy for joyful performance without nervousness. The result has been that I have trained hundreds of children to have fun playing music well, plus four of my child students have become national acts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harp Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Piccolo Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Shakuhachi Oboe Bassoon English Horn Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

There really is no limit to which methods work for people. Every person learns their own way, and it is true that a variety of methods work for an individuals learning process. I enjoy employing all ways of experiencing music including playing by ear, reading sheet music, learning music theory and its practical applications, as well as playing with others and truly feeling what the music is wanting to say. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Electric Violin Fiddle Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I always begin with a methods book, I believe that good fundamentals are what makes a good musician, but I also teach ear training methods thereby giving the student the best in both worlds. Once the fundamentals and foundation are efficient, then according to the instrument I move to solo repertoire or experimentation or interpretation. I believe finding a students passion and making the learning experience as educational and enjoyable as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Fiddle Music Keyboard

I firmly believe that students are best served when their teacher knows and cares about them. This attitude toward teaching helps me to tailor instruction to students' needs rather than following a prescriptive method. I usually begin lessons with a brief, informal conversation where we discuss the student's week and talk about things that are important to them. A strong and appropriate student-teacher relationship is the bedrock for successful goal-setting, accountability, and, of course, fun in private lessons! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Ukulele Electric Violin Fiddle

I model my teaching from Ms Dorthy DeLay. The key to teaching is firm foundation but also a personable attitude and strong patience. If a student is having a hard time learning then I take the proper steps to make it clear and easy for them without the stress and anger of failure. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have nearly a decade of private teaching experience as well as teaching in group and in school orchestra settings. While in Austin, Joseph ran a successful teaching studio of over 30 violin and viola students that regularly placed in TMEA All-Region Orchestras, UIL State Solo Ensemble Contest, and were members of the Austin Youth Orchestra. I've also served as an orchestra teacher for Manor High School and Manor New Technical High School where I provided an elevated level of teaching to an underprivileged student base. Read More