Viola Lessons in Wading River, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I love nothing more than to see a student come into or leave their lesson beaming with a sense of pride and self-accomplishment. What that means to a student is as unique as they are. My beginner students may feel overjoyed to have learned their one-octave D major scale played pizzicato, my more experienced students could be proud to announce that they figured out a tricky passage on their own using skills they learned in a lesson. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music should not be boring or intimidating, so I teach to my students' personalities and their comfort levels. I will ask my students to try rigorous exercizes but I will do so in a manner that is fun and rewarding, not exhausting. I enjoy adding humor to my lessons and I like to keep the mood light and conversational because music is as much about connection and communication as it is about notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For adolescent beginner piano students I recommend 'John Thompson's Earliest Piano Course'. In this series Books I-III build a strong base upon which a student can specialize in different genre and styles graduating from book III. For adult students beginning I would suggest John Thompon's Adult (or Modern) Piano Course. The pacing of this book is far more accelerated and more in keeping with an adult pace to work with. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Since I was in high school, I have been very passionate about teaching violinists and violists of all ages and levels. I began playing at the age of four studying the Suzuki Method and mainly use the Suzuki Method to guide my teaching. In addition to teaching, I have had the opportunity to perform all over America and much of the world, including Canada, China, much of Europe, and Israel. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Each student has their own pace of learning and their own style of learning. I recognize that and feel that instruction tailored to a student's individual style will make for faster and more rewarding progress. Also, I feel that a positive environment that acknowledges accomplishments with positive reinforcement makes for a stable and fun learning environment. My ultimate goal for a student is to foster a life long love of learning and a life long appreciation for the violin/viola and music in general. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More