Viola Lessons Montgomery County, PA

Instruments: Violin, Viola

I like to start by finding out the goals that a student has and wants to achieve in their lessons, and then coming up with ways to achieve those goals. While I expect students to work hard and put in practice time, I also realize that students have busy lives outside of their music lessons. My expectations are realistic. As long as you are showing progress between each lesson, I consider that a success! Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Fiddle, Music, Keyboard

I focus on posture initially, then introduce concepts of music theory when appropriate. Things like reading music, time signatures, key signatures, and what various markings mean are important for any musician, regardless of what their ultimate goals are. I do expect my students to practice regularly if they want to progress. I ask my students to keep practice journals, so I always begin with reading their journals and asking questions or making observations about it. Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Violin, Viola

For over 20 years of my musical study and career I was not only teaching, but successfully performing in numerous concerts and recitals as a solo/chamber/ensemle and symphony orchestra performer. I am also a recipient of various awards for republic and international competitions, amongst which are the V International Competition, Ukraine, and XXXIII Republic Competition, Kazakhstan. Do you think the lessons should also be interesting and fun? You are right! Read More

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

Beginner Violin/Viola/Cello/Double Bass- I typically start in a class method book like essential elements or something similar, and move out of that book into etude books with music that pairs well with them, before moving onto things that are more student chosen once they can play well enough to play things that they like. Beginner Piano- I use the Leila Fletcher books because they are set up at a good pace, and work through those, adding in music that a student wants to learn as we go. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin, Viola, Recorder

For my youngest students, age 7 and under, I begin with Adventures in Violinland, a wonderful method written by Shirley Givens, instructor at Peabody Preperatory. This teaches note reading with a solfegg system. It has a strong emphasis on technique. For beginners ages 8 and up, I use either Essential Elements or Sound Innovations, usually matching it with whatever the school district uses that the student lives in. As the students progress, I use the Suzuki repertoire as well as various scale and technique books. Read More