Violin Lessons in Mount Pleasant, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

I believe that a judgement-free, cooperative lesson atmosphere is crucial to a student's success! Violinists and violists are often taught according to a traditional teaching method that is too rigid and outdated. In contrast, I design my lessons to fit each of my students' individual artistic goals, and encourage students to ask questions. I usually make a list of areas of focus for each lesson, and encourage my students to keep a practice journal. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I began teaching in 2011 and have been consistently teaching since then. I began teaching in Cleveland, and eventually grew my studio to 60 students. This was a lot to handle, but I loved every second of it. Seeing and being a part of a student's progress is one of the most rewarding things I have experienced in my life. I like to make sure the student is having fun as well as staying focused on progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I draw inspiration largely from my Rudolf Steiner-inspired pre-college education and my Carl Orff-inspired higher education. Waldorf/Steiner education "emphasizes the role of imagination in learning, striving to integrate holistically the intellectual, practical, and artistic development of pupils" while the Orff Approach "combines music, movement, drama, and speech into lessons that are similar to child's world of play." Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

I typically start the students off with open strings and rhythms and we learn the left hand separately so that the start is not overwhelming. With an intermediate to more advanced students we progress to scales (Jhnke, Galamian, Flesh etc...), etudes and exercises (Shradieck, Kayser, Mazas, Kreutzer, Wieniawski, Paganini etc...), as well as performing pieces (this often includes Bach and Mozart in every student's repertoire). I very much encourage all of my students to record themselves a few times a week, perform as much as possible (even for the family pet), play competitions and play with others! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginners, I always start with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I typically will work with the student from the Suzuki Violin Method books and also will choose a scale book based on the student's progress. I often prefer for beginning students to play from the Hrimaly Scale Book. Later down the line, students can choose pieces that they are interested in, but I am always an advocate of classical pieces for fundamental training. Read More