Viola Lessons in Washington, CT

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

In voice, I let my students' goals guide their lessons. Whether it be stage performance, studio recording or personal satisfaction, I will use a variety of techniques to help them reach their individual goals. In violin and viola, I teach the Suzuki method combined with some contemporary and fun improvisation. I teach theory, but also how to communicate with musicians in general. I am a huge fan of the electric violin/fiddle and am comfortable teaching tecniques and about the equipment needed to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I have a relaxed teaching style. And once a student has the basics, I offer them a selection of pieces to play. After all, who wouldn't want to play music they like, rather than something they have to do! The jokes are free, but my teaching is priceless. I am quite aware, that each student advances at their own rate. And along those lines, they are also taught how to practice correctly. 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: Violin Viola

Olivia Van Mater (most know as Olivia Moaddel) currently works as the Assistant Director of the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Division. She will be working as both the Assistant Director and the Violin Professor at the Bard Conservatory Preparatory Summer Camp in July of 2024. She has been playing violin for 24 years and has studied extensively with renowned performers and teachers Augustin Hadelich, James Ehnes, Yehonatan Berick, Katie Lansdale, Ronald Copes, Lucie Robert, David Kim, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I will vary my methods based on the individual student. For students between 3 and 7, I will use the Suzuki method, which in my experience is best for students of that age. For beginners after that, I will use method books and repertoire that not only addresses the students technical and musical development at that point in time, but is also fun and enjoyable to play. I encourage students to play in their school or community orchestra and will assist and encourage students to play in chamber ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching style is that I provide a structured environment with very clear expectations and a calm, supportive atmosphere. Within this structure there is plenty of room to expand and explore, myself having developed creative music styles from strict classical to rock improvisation. From an idyllic afternoon in the sun by the shore to an adventure on the high seas, a music studio is the place! The ticket to this magical place? Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

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