Viola Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

Teaching has been my profession since before my college days, when I begun by teaching guitar lessons to classmates. Since college, it has been my primary occupation. I lead by example as a musician, and I encourage regular quality practice and cultivate an attitude of discipline and a drive to greatness. A cross-discipline in music is my primary approach to teaching, and I make a point of educating my students in how to communicate with other musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginners who are children, I start with the essential Suzuki method which includes a focus on musical listening imitation, parental involvement (at very young ages) and creating an effortless technique. The Suzuki books are great in that they provide a great foundation and an extremely logical progression for taking students from complete beginners to an advanced level. For advanced students, we can branch out into a wide variety of classical concertos or other repertoire (this happens around Suzuki book 6) I love to teach adults, and I try to structure my teaching in accordance with adult students' goals and interests. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I'm a passionate and dedicated teacher who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I began studying cello, violin, and piano in Kiev, Ukraine and continued my music education when I moved to the USA. I received a Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance from Central Washington University and a Masters degree in Cello Performance from Rice University. I have performed as an Assistant Principal in several orchestras in Washington State and have appeared as a soloist with Spokane Symphony and Olympia Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I am a very laid-back teacher. My belief is that music is fun. I encourage my students to have fun. Too many teachers make music all about practice and drilling. While practicing and drilling is definitely a part of learning, it is not the end-all be-all. Music needs to be enjoyed for what it is - fun! I have had teachers who have sucked the joy out of learning for me, and I strive to make sure that never happens for my students. Read More

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

Ever since I started playing viola in the third grade, I have been drawn to performing and teaching music. I am a graduate of the Hartt School, where I was a member of an honors chamber music program, Performance 20-20. Since 2007 I have been a violist in the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and freelance on both viola and violin throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Chamber music, however, is my number one passion and one of the reasons I love playing and teaching the violin and viola!! Read More