Violin Lessons in Gladstone, NJ

Instruments: Violin Cello Electric Violin Fiddle

I am a full-time teacher of language arts, but still a life-long violinist. My musical background is classically based, but expands to all forms of music. I received my degree from Montclair State University, where Icontinued to study and participate in small chamber ensembles and solo engagements for public and private occasions. I continue to practice and study regularly, always looking to further my own abilities with the instrument(s), and greatly value those students who willingly wish to study. Read More

Instruments: Violin

When I teach I always ask my students what I can help them with and if they are working on anything at the moment. Assuming that they are I will ask them to play a little bit of what they have prepared, just so I can get a general sense of where they are in their journey on the violin. After they finish playing I start by explaining what I noticed from a technical standpoint, so that this way they know what to be aware of and work on while they are in the practice room as it pertains to their setup. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have created a curriculum which is comprised of the Suzuki series for Violin, the String Builder Series by Samuel Applebaum and Introducing the Positions as well as Scale studies by Harvey S. Whistler. Music theory is taught using the Master Theory Series by Charles S.Peters and Paul Yoder. Additional Etudes that focus on Bowings, and Double Stops are taught to the more advanced student. Musical compositions such as Sonatas and Concertos by the major composers continue to develop the skills of the advanced student. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I began teaching in 2003, right at the beginning of my college studies. I taught in several after school programs in upstate New York, and organized many student recitals. I encourage daily practice, as this gives students a chance to become comfortable with the violin much more quickly, and I make listening to music a part of each students normal routine so they can strengthen their desire to learn. I have been teaching privately since 2003, and have also served as a violin coach for more advanced students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

This is one reason why I believe personal instruction (rather than learning from books or through online resource) is almost a requirement for progressing quickly on violin and viola. I always try to acknowledge my students accomplishments and push them to become the best musicians they can be. At the same time, I recognize that each student learns at a different pace and for different reasons. As a slow learner myself growing up, I believe that everyone can learn how to play great music with good instruction. Read More

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

My teaching style can most accurately be described as patient and creative. Music should be fun. The student should enjoy practicing.  It is my job to create a lesson plan that allows a student to progress steadily, without straining the limits of their abilities. I feel that it is important to focus on the individuals goals and interests so that each lesson is meaningful to that particular student..I focus on music, not exercises. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

For beginners, I typically start with Suzuki and/or Strictly Strings, though for bass players I tend to move towards Vance/SS instead. Once the fundamentals are understood, then we begin to start more technical exercises and start to prepare solo repertoire. For students who are more experienced or older, I try to see what specifically they are interested in and incorporate that into our work. I emphasize how important proper posture and playing position is, as more advanced techniques would be hard to do without proper posture and could even cause pain later on. Read More