Musika Quick Stats
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Lesson Special - Up to 20% OFF! Get Started Now with a Risk-Free Trial!
Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Violin lessons in Oyster Bay . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Violin
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Method. I introduce the student to basic instrumental technique on their chosen instrument, whether it be violin or piano. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More
Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle
Music is a therapeutic tool and I like to emphasize this aspect when teaching as well. Are you interested in learning classical technique but also love other styles of music? Are you interested in learning violin to enhance or add music into your life? I am open to anything, just let me know your goals and I would love to work with you to achieve them. I approach each students' situation uniquely and love customizing lessons to your personal goals. Read More
Instruments: Violin Viola
Ialwaystellmystudentsthattheycanacheiveanythingtheywantanditisjustamatterofsettinggoals.EveryonedevelopsattheirownpaceandIalwaystrytoidentitywhatisholdingastudentbackfromreachingx22thenextlevel.x22Ialwaysemphasisthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splayingandtrytobuildonwhattheyhavealreadyacheived.Thegoaloftheteacheristoinspirethestudentandalsotailormyinstructiononwhatastudentneedsandwantstoachievewiththeirmusic. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Fiddle
I love having my students use notebooks to keep track of their own goals, practice habits and achievements. I think this is a great way to have them keep themselves on track and it's also a neat way to track progress! As a teacher, I like to encourage my students to be self-motivated so they can improve on their own. Taking lessons is obviously important but it is also crucial for students to practice the materials learned in lessons on their own time. Read More
Instruments: Violin Viola
This pedagogy uses the Suzuki repertoire but can also be used with other books. The Suzuki (Japanese) method is one of the most popular in the US. This method establishes strong musical and technical fundamentals. Other methods lead to similar results and can be just as enjoyable and interesting. Some examples are Robert Trorys (British) books or The Sassmannhaus Tradition (German). For older children and adults, I choose appropriate repertoire based on their musical interests, while still focusing on technique. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola
For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Mandolin
I have studied with several professional, performing musicians, but most of my learning has come from books, magazines and listening. Listening is, quite simply, the best teacher you can have, provided you do it properly. I have played music since age eight, in school bands, jazz bands, blues, and rock bands. I also have written songs since age 10, and recorded numerous cd's of original music in various styles. I am currently the frontman in the Jersey Shore Blues Rock Tribute Band. Read More
Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My mother and older sister sang in choirs and played piano. My grandfather was an accomplished violinist. They all played for fun mostly and I wanted to cross the threshhold into playing as a career.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I am also a copy editor, a writer and a surfer! I would love to write travel books or film travel videos, obviously surfing along the way!
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
After spending years as a magazine editor, I was laid off. In that time, I picked up singing gigs while I looked for new work. Those gigs turned into bigger and bigger experiences until I decided to teach. After 10 years of performing and teaching, I started up my own studio and left the public school system. I feel I can do more as a private instructor, without red tape and state standards!
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
Violin, viola and cello are very similar, so it was not hard to choose those. I began playing bass guitar because I was asked to join bands. I began playing piano to accompany my voice students. Once you learn one instrument, you begin to speak the music language and other instruments become increasingly easier. I'm glad I began with violin because that has been the most challenging.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Paganini Caprice number 5 on violin. It's beautiful and intricate, and in the film Crossroads, Ralph Macchio crushes Steve Vai by playing it on electric guitar. As an electric player, I always loved that. In voice, I would love to write the perfect original song. I believe there's an intimate beauty in sharing original work.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use Suzuki for violin/viola. I find it works very well to build muscle memory and sight reading skills for beginners. After the first couple levels of Suzuki, students may decide to branch into something more flexible or play fiddle rather than traditional violin, but a foundation in Suzuki has always helped.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
In violin and viola, it took me years to enjoy my own sound, then translate that to electric violin/viola. Vibrato is always a challenge as well and I was not happy with mine for quite some time.
Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Four of my voice students have been on "The Voice" and one has joined me in publishing three songs to commercial television. Three of my younger students have been accepted into very prestigious music conservatories.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose violin because my grandfather was a violinist and used to play fiddle for me as well. I chose voice because I enjoy connecting with others as a vocalist and it has helped my conquer my fear of public speaking. Being a vocalist and violinist has brought me experiences I never expected and will cherish.
When will I start to see results?
Every student progresses at their own pace. A good teacher will help students set realistic and reachable goals from day one, so you will see progress immediately. Be prepared for your own humanity though! One off day may feel like 10 steps back. A good teacher will help you through these obstacles.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice your rigorous exercizes, but always end with a "guilty pleasure" or something that is easy or fun for you. Set a practice time and stick to it. If you get frustrated, take a quick breather, but don't put your instrument down. Don't look at your instrument as your enemy, but as an extension of you. If you're having an off day, just run through your basics and remind yourself that music is a language that takes time to learn. Some days are better than others!
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
Forcing a child into music may turn them off to it completely. Let your child experience all types of music and ask them if they are ready to try and learn. At first, a child may want to try several instruments to see which one they bond with. Allowing them ownership of their music choice is a positive way to start. As for vocal students, children cannot truly begin to work on their voices until after puberty, but young students can learn about proper breathing, music theory, warmup exercizes and group singing.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Violin lessons in Oyster Bay to students of all ages and abilities.
We'll then reach out to the teachers for you.
Schedule the risk-free trial lesson directly with the teacher.
Continue with that teacher or try someone else.