Viola Lessons in Saint James, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Hello! My name is Austin and I'm a violinist and violist here in the Long Island, NY area. I recently graduated from The State University of New York at Fredonia with my degree in Viola Performance. My musical career has mostly been focused on playing orchestral and chamber music. I have played in orchestras featuring soloists, Grammy Winning cellist Zuill Bailey and violinist Rachael Lee. My teachers include Principal Violist of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I tend to use the Suzuki Method for my students. I find that it helps create a solid foundation for the student and includes repertoire that is familiar to many. In addition to the Suzuki Method, I like to use etude books, duet books, and sight-reading books for those who are learning how to read music. I also like to incorporate Music Theory for all ages to gain more knowledge of how music works. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

This pedagogy uses the Suzuki repertoire but can also be used with other books. The Suzuki (Japanese) method is one of the most popular in the US. This method establishes strong musical and technical fundamentals. Other methods lead to similar results and can be just as enjoyable and interesting. Some examples are Robert Trorys (British) books or The Sassmannhaus Tradition (German). For older children and adults, I choose appropriate repertoire based on their musical interests, while still focusing on technique. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ibelieveeveryonehasthepotentialtobeagreatmusician,itisjustamatterofdisciplineandfocus.Whilepracticingisdefinitelyimportant,itisn'taboutjustspendingtimewithyourinstrument,itisaboutpracticingthecorrectway.BypracticingthecorrectwayIamreferringtopropertechnique,breakingdowndifferentaspectofyourplaying(bowarm,lefthand,etc),andsettinggoalsforyourpractice.Iencouragemystudentstostartexperiencethejoysofperformingevenattheverybeginningandworktofindsolorepertoirethatisaccessibleandalsofun.MusichasbroughtmesomuchjoyandasateacherItrytofindwaysformystudentstoexperiencetheexcitmentthatplayingmusicoffers Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

For beginner students, I use the Essential Elements for strings (books 1 and 2). In conjunction with these books, I select a repertoire that corresponds with their current abilities, and work my way up from there. For adults and more advanced students, I use various technical studies such as Sevcik, Kreutzer, and Rode, and standard Rep using the International editions. Regardless of the age or skill level, I always strive to maintain constant engagement and motivation throughout my lessons, whether online or in person. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

In addition, I maintain an active private studio of all ages (from pre-K through beginning adults!), and I enjoy problem solving with each individual's perspective and experience in mind. I'm a firm believer that lessons should be tailored to each student's goals - there is absolutely no "one size fits all" method to playing an instrument. In my opinion, being positive and goal-oriented are the most important ingredients for success in music lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More