Viola Lessons in Mainland, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy is a product of the centuries tested methods of great violinists and violists and their descendent students. Those I have studied with and performed for include all four members of the Ying Quartet, C.J. Chang, Catherine Caroll, Nokothula Ngwenyama, and Roberto Diaz. Centering around the most simple and effortless playing techniques, my style of teaching is designed to facilitate the fastest route to excellence and the development of the student's own personal style and musical ideas. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I feel that nothing is more rewarding than seeing that my student has learned something and from that, develops a passion for music. I try to keep each student's progress at their own pace by setting and keeping realistic goals for my students at their lessons. I am very positive during lessons, because I feel that acknowledging any accomplishment helps keep the student interested and fuels a desire to continue to get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

I am a caring, intuitive, and experienced musician and teacher. Small-group situations such as studio lessons or chamber music groups find me at my happiest and most fulfilled. I have premiered exciting new works at NYU's Tenri Center, at Stony Brook, Bennington College, Queens College's Aaron Copland School, the LI Composers Alliance, and my alma mater Indiana University. I especially enjoy varied religious settings, for example as concertmaster of the holiday orchestra at St. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Beginners: Suzuki Methodology up to book 6 with heavy emphasis on technique and fundamentals Intermediate: Standard solo repertoire Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Kabalevsky, with focus on advanced technique (intonation, colle, martele, sautille, etc) (Ideal for students who wish to do PMEA) etudes: wohlfahrt, kreutzer Advanced: Iconic solo repertoire Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mendelssohn with focus on musicality (advanced phrasing, expressive shifting, sounding point, bow speed/weight control, smooth bow and string crossings) etudes: Rode, Paganini Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I LOVE to see my students with a SMILE on their face when we together find possible solutions for any technical difficulties they encounter. The beauty and novelty of the solution that emerged in the process of solving complex tasks can bring an astounding joy of creativity. I am convinced that only a creative instructor can foster a creatively thinking student. Therefore, to prepare the student for self-creative activity, I must actively enrich knowledge and share my experience with students, update and design study material depending on intellectual and psychological aspects of students, be aware of their interests and individual traits so that in the future they can use the knowledge and skills to apply not only at school but also in life. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a beginner method such as Essential Elements or Sound Innovations. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More