Viola Lessons in Lumberville, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to make learning an instrument an enjoyable experience and allow students to progress at their own pace.  I also introduce them to different styles of music such as classical, folk, Broadway musicals as well as popular songs.  In addition, I teach students new skills and techniques to enhance their playing abilities. I encourage my students to practice, ask questions about the music and how it should be played with respect to the technique and expression required to perform a piece of music effectively. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience goes back to my high school days, as I began teaching privately 7 years ago, and have consistently taught in my home studio for the last several years. Encouraging regular practice, as well as focused practice, are some of the key points I like to emphasize for all of my students. Practicing correctly, as well as consistently, motivates students as they see their exponential progress. All seriousness aside, having fun and playing from the heart is the most important thing to remember. Read More

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

The student may need help working on music from school so sometimes that becomes the priority. Other times, the student is interested in learning a song for their own enjoyment, and that will guide the direction of the lesson. In a typical lesson I will try to incorporate a little of all these things where applicable. I customize the learning experience based on the students' needs so they get the most that they can out of each lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

Since I was a little kid I always wanted to be a teacher. My earliest memory is being 3, sitting at the piano bench, giving my mom a pretend lesson. My teaching experience began seriously in high school, when other kids in my cello section asked me to help them with the orchestra music. When their parents started paying me, they started telling their friends, and things totally took off from there! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More