Viola Lessons in Westfield, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola Fiddle Music

I consider myself a Suzuki Teacher, but I supplement the method with other books, pieces and methods depending on the age, level, needs and interests of each student. For most of my students, I use Artistry in Strings, I Can Read Music, Introducing the Positions, Wolfhart, and more in addition to Suzuki. As a teenager I formed a strong interest in alternative styles besides classical and learned pieces from many genres including pop, rock, electronic, and show tunes. 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 Violin Viola

I'm well trained in the Suzuki repertoire and philosophies, however I teach a combination of traditional methods and also have the ability to exclude one or the other. For beginners and young children, I teach note reading simultaneously but separately from the applied side of playing. Holding the violin and bow, for example, are very challenging and require time to focus on them individually. Note reading is done on the side and later these aspects merge so that kids are eventually learning new pieces by reading the music directly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Fiddle Double Bass Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

After learning the guitar and piano, I went on to several other instruments learning the theory and dedication needed to excel. While doing so, I was able to utilize the music theory in an understanding to be able to apply those theory principals to the instrument for better artistry. For example, by learning scales and how to alter the scales for various style, I was able to play different genres, such as Rock, blues, country etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Music is deeply personal; one must get to know each student's own personality, interests, and connections to music. Early on (both in the teaching relationship and in each lesson) one must assess where the student is, as to technical and musical growth, and with the music at hand. Then one finds, models, explains and encourages the next steps the student can achieve. Clear guidance and dialogue about what will happen outside the studio (listening, practice, rehearsal, performance) helps turn the weekly cycle of lessons into an upward spiral of progress, achievement, and reward. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Cello Viola Lute Electric Violin Fiddle Latin Percussion Music

She also performed with Berklee World Strings, touring and playing with many musicians such as Howard Levy, Glen Velez, and Darol Anger. Jennifer’s compositions have been performed all over the U.S. and in Italy with Berklee World Strings, Berklee Violas, The Unauthorized Personnel and well as other ensembles. Jennifer started classical violin at the age of five and quickly began exploring other styles of music including Celtic and pop. Read More