Viola Lessons in Montgomery Township, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

My serious musical training began in Russia at the Moscow State Academic Music College named after P.I Tchaikovsky. The eagerness and commitment to perfecting my craft both technically and artistically as a violinist coupled with my passion for promoting Azerbaijan, brought me to the United States of America where I earned my Doctorate degree in violin performance at Temple University (Philadelphia). My travel and performance experiences across Europe, Russia, Azerbaijan, and The United States of America have offered me first-hand exposure to meaningful opportunities to explore and learn a variety of genres and cultures from Azerbaijani Mugham and Russian folklore to western classical music and everything in between while learning from diverse people, cultures, and places. 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

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 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

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students I start with Suzuki books until about book 5 and then begin to branch out into other repertoire.  I teach students to read music as well as basic theory. I also incorporate playing by ear and improvisation. These are important skills which help students develop into flexible and well rounded musicians.   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