Viola Lessons in West Islip, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Keyboard

I like to keep my teaching style a balance between being strict but also patient when needed and keeping it fun! I like to have open communication with the student or parents of the student to figure out what kind of teaching style they might prefer. If you want to be challenged and pushed, I can provide more strict instruction to make sure your goals are being met. If a student or their parents prefer to take it easy and just have a good time learning a new instrument, I will also be on board with that! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

It is extremely important to set realistic goals for each student. I accomplish this by isolating each issue and not trying to spend one lesson addressing everything. Instead of overwhelming the student, I try to set realistic and obtainable goals for each student while retaining the challenge. As the student improves, I gradually start setting more challenging goals according to each student's ability. When the student improves, (s)he becomes more motivated to learn more, which is crucial for continuous development. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I believe in teaching fundamental principles of technique that can be applied universally, and I encourage students to focus on one basic idea at a time. Scales, arpeggios, etudes and other exercises are an important part of daily practice, reinforced by weekly technique classes. In the study of technique, it is critical that students set attainable goals for themselves, and I help them to organize their practice time with this in mind. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am classicaly trained violinist with over four decades teaching experience in academia and privately. As a concert violinist I perform nationally and internationally in the United States and Europe. I welcome students of all skill levels from beginners to advanced players. My specialties are in the Classic, Romantic and contemporary repertoire. My teaching philosophy includes tailoring my teaching to individual students. I am fluent in Russian, German, French. I am comfortable teaching students of all ages, from 4 years and up. Read More

Instruments: Viola

As I get to know the student better, their interest, and what they seem to indiviually need, I can then help them with the physcial aspects of playing and give my own input on musical ideas, bowings, etc.  Since attending Eastman, I have studied specifically with teachers who studied under the great violist Karen Tuttle. Her teaching philosophy is all geared towards playing tension/injury free, therefore relaxing into your own sound and playing to be the healthiest and best violist you can be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I understand some student may not have much time to practice, so I encourage as long as you practice even once or twice per week , set a short goal even one line two lines on the music or couple of bars, progress little and slow but practice on the right way, building right correct position and get used of it still helpful then nothing or some incorrect habit. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I began playing violin at the age of 12. Over the years, I developed my skills further by joining my local community orchestra and getting lessons from renowned instructor pedagogues. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2017, where I performed regularly with the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestra, and learned about how to teach students both individually and in a school setting. Read More