Violin Lessons in Pluckemin, NJ

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My teaching style is very organized, structured, but also with a creative approach. I believe in having fun while learning, but I do hold young artists accountable to accomplishing their weekly assignments/goals. My style has been developed over three decades, and I tailor my approach by getting to know each student individually. I take time to observe and understand the student's thinking style, learning style, method of communication, strengths, weaknesses, and motivation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola

I began teaching private lessons when I was a junior in high school and have been teaching since then. My philosophy is that any one can play an instrument with the proper instruction and patience. I encourage my students to practice regularly and strive to achieve their goals, but most importantly my goal is to help them to feel more confident and enjoy music, no matter what stage they are at in their musicianship. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning or young students (under age 8), music-related games are incorporated into lessons to encourage positive growth, rather than thinking of playing an instrument as a "chore". Small assignments are expected to be completed weekly, so that the child feels a sense of accomplishment and progress. For older or more advanced students, lessons are structured by a regimen of scales, exercises, and classical pieces. If the student so chooses, classical pieces can be exchanged for pop or contemporary music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For my methods, I use a variety of books and create a diet of exercises and pieces that will build on fundamentals - from open strings, to scales and etudes like Schradieck, Kreutzer to pieces from the Suzuki Method as well as other options such as Nardini Concerto in b minor or Haydn Concerto in G Major. The method I use is scaffolding from the very small building blocks of technique and lead up to a mastery of each piece assigned. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Fiddle Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher I like to be very encouraging, gentle, and supportive. I make sure to encourage with positive reinforcement. When a child gets something right, I praise the accomplishment. If they fall short, I compliment them on something that well, and then add something along the lines of, "That was amazing, let's do that same thing only this time ______". I also encourage any students, young and old, to do some searching for material on their own to practice learning new skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I like my lessons to be fun! I like to start my lesson with a "music swap": we each play one minute of a song that we found that week from youtube or spotify and take 30-60 seconds to say why we found it interesting or inspiring (it can be any genre). We then aim to discuss and practice a new technical skill and use exercises to develop it, we work on a song from the method series or a song that the student wants to work on (I often transpose pop/rock songs for my students), and then rhythm training, ear training, and music theory concepts are interspersed throughout. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I am a violinist of 20 years, originally from New Haven, CT. My passion for helping each student reach his or her highest potential has led me to an extensive career in public school teaching. I have taught violin, viola, cello, and double bass privately for over 10 years. I have spent the last 5 years focusing on reaching students of all abilities through teaching in the public classroom- working with students of all ages, and teaching general music, band, and orchestra. Read More