Violin Lessons in Concordville, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

During my middle through high school years as a performing arts student, I began teaching to the younger grades because I loved filling my time with music performance and education. I was honored to perform at various venues on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, such as the Kimmel Center. I have performed with the Curtis Institute of Music, Temple University's orchestra, the All-City Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as multiple performances with the conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I initially focus on their setup and how to hold the instrument properly. Having this solid foundation helps in the future to avoid injuries and negative habits. After that, I use the Essential Elements books and Suzuki method books as a guideline with supplemental materials. At this point I would also begin introducing solo repertoire appropriate for a first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my teaching according to their level of interest, keeping lessons engaging and fun. Many times that includes playing fiddle tunes, which is very exciting to me too, since I have been involved in Irish culture since I was young. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I pride myself in giving the students an experience they can enjoy! To help with this, I feel it is important for the student to be able to play music they know and enjoy listening to so they can develop more of a connection with the instrument and with the music. To this end, I have a lot of resources to help find sheet music for those songs or I write out the songs myself. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I generally start with Suzuki Method, Sassmannshaus, and my own methods which I have created over the years. I emphasize the importance of ear training, becuase that is what allows us to know if we are playing correctly. For intermediate and advanced students, we work very heavily on warm ups, scales, etudes, and repertoire. Repertoire is a personal thing, and many of my adult students already have an idea of what they would like to play. 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: Violin Viola

My aspirations as a violin instructor are to enable students to identify, understand, and assess challenges they contend to search for possible solutions. I am a proponent of self-directed learning, and intentionally create situations in class that allow the students to learn through the unconventional approach. I also encourage students to come up with their own exercises and possible solutions for any challenge they encounter. In order to measure their learning, I require students to demonstrate the process of searching for possible solutions in class. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate where I would teach and mentor incoming freshman placed in our studio. During the summers I would teach locally and fill in for past mentors who were on tour. This allowed me the fortune of teaching both beginners and advanced students. I strongly recommend consistent practice as I firmly believe an hour a day far out performs 5-7 on one day. A students growth is mostly contributed to ones own passion and discipline however as long as the student is willing to learn, then I am willing to help nurture their devotion and maturity to allow them to become as good of a instrumentalist that they wish to become. Read More