Violin Lessons in NYC New York

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Organ Accordion Ukulele Double Bass Keyboard

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
It was a gradual decision. At first, I wanted to be a performer, and I was was for a while. I was also helping my less experienced fellows performers and realized I really liked teaching and helping others.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started on Piano. Then three years into my studies I decided to pick up cello. My cello teacher asked me if I'd like to try upright bass. For a while I did all three: piano, cello and upright. I decided to try viola and with a little help from my older colleagues I was able to learn.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I grew up listening pop, blues and jazz. Then my uncle introduced me to classical music. I remember he played Rossini's Overtures for me on his old turntable and I loved it. I was only 14 when I bought my first classical LP - Mozart's Symphony No. 40

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Most likely I'd be an electronic engineer. I always had a passion for electronics, fixing radios, tape players, amplifiers. Even today I may pick up a broken vintage amplifier at the yard sale and then spend some time identifying a problem and fixing it.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My grandparents were grade school teachers and were required to play an instrument and teach music. My first musical instructions came from my grandmother at the age of 6.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
For my final piano exam I performed Beethoven's "Pathetique" Sonata. It was a tough piece, it took me over three months to master it. I always wanted to play it because it was a hallmark of Beethoven's piano work, turmoulious yet beautiful.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I come from the family of teachers and educators. At first, I wanted to be a performer, and I was was for a while. I was also helping my less experienced fellows performers and realized I really liked teaching and helping others. That was a main reason I decided to pursue a degree in music education.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
Every piece has a difficult part, or parts. It's important to practice and solve one difficult part at the time before moving forward. Even if a student solves one problem in a single practice session, it is considered a success

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I never use a single method book. It's important to have the variety of pieces to play, some for fun, some for technique development. For absolute beginners I usually start with Suzuki and Thompson method, then expand it to classics such as Beyer, Gurlitt, Mozart and others. Also, light jazz, pop and show songs are included for students who express the desire to play such pieces

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I come form a family of teachers and educators. My grandparents taught me the basic piano. After the initial struggle, I decided I want to become either a professional player, or music teacher.

When will I start to see results?
If child is taught structured and gradual material, the first results can usually be seen after couple of months. It's highy individual. Some kids advance faster than others.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice every day. Even if it's only 15 minutes, practice. Never skip a day.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
If your child shows interests in musical instruments, maybe it's time to give it a try. From my experience, most children ask their parents if they can start learning the instrument.

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