Violin Lessons in Merion Station, PA

Instruments: Piano Violin

I have been teaching piano, violin, and basic music for over ten years. I have worked at music schools as well as taught private lessons. I have a masters in music and have a big performing repertoire. I love new students - from beginner to advanced, and of all ages. I think you can learn a lot about people based on what type music they like, so I look forward to meeting you and helping you play the type of music you love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For the beginning student, I typically suggest a collection of specific studies from an array of sources, some designed simply for technique and others for the development of musical understanding. Naturally, these depend on the individual and their needs. I am most dedicated to facilitating the needs of each individual student and providing them the ability to express their musical ideas clearly and easily. For more advanced students, I will focus on honing technical proficiency and challenging them with new repertoire, preparing them for new musical opportunities, such as youth orchestras, chamber music, recitals, and competitions to further their growth. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students I start with Suzuki books until about book 5 and then begin to branch out into other repertoire.  I teach students to read music as well as basic theory. I also incorporate playing by ear and improvisation. These are important skills which help students develop into flexible and well rounded musicians.   Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My passion for teaching has been a big part of my career. I have been teaching violin since 2011- providing individual and group instrumental lessons in music schools and serving as an adjunct faculty (Artist-in-Residence position) of performance studies (solo and chamber) at Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University. These have provided me considerable experience teaching one on one and classroom settings discovering and enhancing their innate knowledge through an individual approach to each student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Excellent, nurturing Suzuki violin pedagogy - treating music as a mother tongue to absorb, imitate, and engage with - informs my methods for beginning and intermediate students. Gradually, as the student shows readiness, we blend in the traditional yet humane study of expert violin playing and thoughtful musicianship modeled for me in Dorothy DeLay's masterclass. As distinct from many string players, I am also a devoted and accomplished singer. So breathing, posture, phrasing, color, line, and articulation are key to my approaches to making and teaching music, and thus to helping my students x22singx22 through their playing. 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: 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