Violin Lessons in Ardsley, PA

Instruments: Violin

My teaching style can best be described as flexible. I like to tailor every lesson to each individual student based on their needs and interests. For younger and newer students regardless of age, I like to focus primarily on fundamentals such as developing proper posture, becoming comfortable with the instrument, tuning and producing sound. For students who already have a good grasp of the fundamentals, we will have more of a discussion about their goals and interests, such as any upcoming auditions or performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I have ten years experience teaching the violin and viola. I have taught students as young as seven, as well as students at the undergraduate level. I develop challenging goals and practice routines for each individual student based on their own motivations and potential. My own career as a performer and understanding of the competitive nature of classical music performance informs the standards I set for my students. Though I am willing to to provide casual lessons to the amateur or hobbyist, I will mentor serious students to pursue achieve the highest standards. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching philosophy follows the belief that musical understanding and maturity are easier to discuss once the student is able to execute a variety of technical details. I often say that technique is teaching a student how to make ten shades of blue, but musicality is deciding which shade of blue to use. Musicality can be more subjective than technique, although there are certain guidelines for each period (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.). Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

CAPA provided Alissa with the opportunity to play and perform with the All-City Philadelphia Orchestra, Curtis Institute of Music, Temple Orchestra, as well as performing with the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-séguin. Alissa continued on to Rowan College after high school, continuing to teach lessons from home. In addition to consistent practice, Alissa has tutored many younger students for piano and violin within her schools, and has taught lessons to children of friends and family. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing my students excel and develop their own passions for music. Each one of my students is different, and so each lesson I teach is specific to that student. Acknowledging accomplishments and setting weekly goals for my students allows them to meet those challenges and see the success that comes from all their hard work! It's really a wonderful thing to see. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

As Shinichi Suzuki said, musical harmony breeds social harmony; to learn and make music together helps us all. For this I have grown the string and choral programs in Elmhurst's 51st Avenue Academy; taught violin, viola, and chamber music at the Queens College Center for Preparatory Studies in Music; led the Stony Brook Pre-College chamber music program; taught strings and chorus in Kiev, Ukraine; taught graduate education courses at Touro College online; and enjoy teaching music at NJ's Calderone School. Read More