Violin Lessons in Forest Grove, PA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin

Every new student comes to their first lesson with particular skills and musical interests. My job is to assess the students abilities and lead them down the appropriate paths to achieving their musical goals. My goal is to cultivate musicianship.  Students are encouraged to develop technical skills as a means of creative and emotional expression.  Sight reading and improvisation are taught simultaneously with music theory and composition. Through individualized lessons and ensemble experience, students are encouraged to reproduce and create music as early as possible. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

My teaching style is defined by a combination of high standards, understanding, nurture and patience. I will set realistic goals for each student based on his/her abilities. I will encourage and try new ways to explain or demonstrate a skill that the student is having difficulty with and I will be extremely enthusiastic about their accomplishments. However, I will assertively make it known if the student shows that they have not been practicing in a supportive way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I try to focus the lessons on the individual student. I use faber books as my main method, but also incorporate a lot of sheet music for my students' different repertoires. I have taught many classes on music fundamentals and theory.  I am also very knowledgeable about Alexander technique - a technique used to help those who suffer from performance anxiety. I am also well versed in music therapy and have used it to help people with mental disorders and physical pain achieve some level of relief. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Drums Banjo Mandolin Fiddle Orchestral Percussion Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started out as a percussionist, studying throughout high school and in to college at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. During my time in Boston, I discovered a bustling bluegrass music scene and my focus switched to stringed instruments, namely the mandolin and the violin. Since College, I have been using all veins of traditional music to join in and build communities of artists. I'm very well connected in the New York City Bluegrass, Irish, and Jazz scenes. 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