Violin Lessons in Bethpage, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin

I began studying the violin at age seven, and shortly thereafter began composing music and studying music theory. I then studied at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where I studied composition with Claude Baker and Sven-David Sandstrm, and violin with Federico Agostini. My music ranges from classical, Latin-influenced, to electronic. After graduating, I taught music inSouth America for over a year.Living in Colombia, I served as a Teaching Artist for La Fundacin Nacional Batuta, the National Baton Foundation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I don't have a singular method because every student is different. At the beginning of my lessons with a new student we will begin getting to know each other. Then we try different things. Some students are naturals at imitating what they hear, so we play to those strengths. Other students are more comfortable with structure and math, so we take that route instead. What I find most important is being flexible. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

This pedagogy uses the Suzuki repertoire but can also be used with other books. The Suzuki (Japanese) method is one of the most popular in the US. This method establishes strong musical and technical fundamentals. Other methods lead to similar results and can be just as enjoyable and interesting. Some examples are Robert Trorys (British) books or The Sassmannhaus Tradition (German). For older children and adults, I choose appropriate repertoire based on their musical interests, while still focusing on technique. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music is a therapeutic tool and I like to emphasize this aspect when teaching as well. Are you interested in learning classical technique but also love other styles of music? Are you interested in learning violin to enhance or add music into your life? I am open to anything, just let me know your goals and I would love to work with you to achieve them. I approach each students' situation uniquely and love customizing lessons to your personal goals. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I use the Essential Elements book 1. This book introduces the student to the instrument in the most practical way while making it fun, and it has the student reading music from the beginning, which I find very important. After this, we go on to Suzuki book 2 and a scale book. Then we move our way through the Suzuki books and start to incorporate more complex scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Playing a string instrument is very difficult and for a student to really flourish as a musician requires that they develop confidence and discipline. I find that the relationship between a music student and teacher is one that develops skills for life, not just musical techniques. I feel very thankful to my own teachers for showing me how powerful my hard work and dedication was, how fun and exciting music can be, and most importantly that their criticisms of my playing always meant that they believed in me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

After spending my youth studying in the Suzuki method and giving solo and orchestral performances, Ben began to experiment with other genres of music during his teenage years. In 1997, he received a scholarship to study at the Brhaddvani Center for Music of the World in Madras, India. In 2000 I studied performing and arranging with the Turtle Island String Quartet, and composition and improvisation with Dr. Yusef Lateef. Between 01 and 03, I performed throughout South America with The Lima Jazz Quintet and The Benjamin S. Read More