Viola Lessons in Sugar Hill, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Learn With Me! Want to be a musical chameleon or become a virtuoso on one instrument? You're in the right place. My goal with teaching music is to equip students with the tools and mindset necessary to free themselves of limitations. I want to work with you to identify your goals, and work towards them in which you will actually have fun and learn. Before taking lessons, I invite prospective students to do a trial session in which you can experience my teaching method and I can answer any questions you may have. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience is quite varied. I've taught young children as a member of Mimi Zweig's pedagogy classes, and I currently teach group classes to 3rd-5th graders here in NYC. I've taught chamber music to teenagers in Indiana University's Summer String Academy and to adult learners in Montreal. I encourage regular practice and strong fundamentals, but I also sincerely think that although there are many ways to teach and to learn, the best ways always are enjoyable. 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

Instruments: Violin Viola Clarinet

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. 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. I encourage students to perform as frequently as possible, and am happy to create recital opportunities within my studio. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For younger students I like to give them weekly practice charts so they can see how much work they're putting in. If they complete enough practice charts, they get a reward. I find this is very helpful in the beginning stages of learning for younger musicians. For older students, I really nudge them to take auditions for a higher seat at school, or depending on how serious they are for youth orchestras and summer programs. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Viola

I am patient with and caring about each one of my students, and take the time I spend with them seriously so they may get out of it as much as they want. Because I feel that every musician can be unique in their own way, I also approach my students in different ways as well, catering to what they need and want most. Viola can be fun and enjoyable, and though it comes with hard work, I want to show everyone that it is worth it! Read More