Violin Lessons in South Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Violin

I have been teaching for almost 20 years and have taught people as young as four years old to amateur adults, as well as from beginners to highly advanced pre-conservatory students, and people from all different backgrounds. Music is such a personal journey for each person, and my teaching philosophy is centered around what the student needs and wants. My ideal student is one who shows a daily devotion to the strengthening of necessary muscle groups, to students who are eager to learn and to try new things, and students who are motivated to accomplish goals that we set together! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For young piano students, I useJohn Thompson's Easiest Piano Course and A Dozen a Day. For adults, I like to useAlfred's Basic Adult Piano Course for a lesson book. I use various books for additional songs or technique depending upon a student's interests and abilities. I like to use different types of music - classical, traditional, pop, modern, etc. For strings, I like to use String Builder, Suzuki, and other method and etude books. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Electric Violin Music

For all of my students, I let them pick a song (vocal) or piece (violin) that they would like to sing or play. This way I can analyze what level they are on. For my voice students, I start with vocal warm-up exercises of the different vowels. It helps me to understand their range as well as tone of voice. For my violin students, I usually stick with the Suzuki Method, or Essential Elements books, if they are in the more beginning stages. 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: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Although I can teach various genres of music, my musical personal favorite is classical, which had great influence on my style of playing. I love music because it has always been my passion and driving force in my life. I teach music because it's not only an essential subject in academics, but also provides students with a creative outlet to express themselves and create meaningful connections with others in an orchestral setting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

I draw heavily on the Suzuki method when I teach. For young beginners this means a lot of ear training using singing, recordings, and games. For young students, I ask a parent to be involved in the training so that they can help the child with practicing. The key to young beginners is making everything fun and not going too fast. Through repetition, they learn skills and develop confidence by experiencing success at every stage of the process. Read More