Viola Lessons in Massapequa Park, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola

When working with younger children, I typically begin with the Suzuki method in order to establish strong musical and technical fundamentals. The Suzuki curriculum is also popular across many music programs in New York, so it provides beginning violinists an opportunity to play music with their peers. For adolescents and adults, I place an earlier emphasis on designing a curriculum based on their musical interests, with equal focus devoted to technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I have been a student of the art since I was 11 years old. I studied at Five Towns College and have since performed with all manner of ensembles including Musical Theatre, Rock and Pop, Metal, Blues, and Opera. As well as teaching and performing, I am also an experienced guitar technician and repair professional. Music, and my commitment to my students has been my life for as long as memory serves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I am a recent graduate of the Monclair State University Music Education Master's program. I also graduated from William Paterson University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. My primary instrument is the violin. My main secondary instrument is the piano. I currently perform with the Adelphi Orchestra. I have taught in the New Jersey public school system. I have been teaching private piano and violin lessons for about 6 years. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

It is extremely important to set realistic goals for each student. I accomplish this by isolating each issue and not trying to spend one lesson addressing everything. Instead of overwhelming the student, I try to set realistic and obtainable goals for each student while retaining the challenge. As the student improves, I gradually start setting more challenging goals according to each student's ability. When the student improves, (s)he becomes more motivated to learn more, which is crucial for continuous development. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More