Violin Lessons in Valley Forge, PA

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students I start with Suzuki books until about book 5 and then begin to branch out into other repertoire.  I teach students to read music as well as basic theory. I also incorporate playing by ear and improvisation. These are important skills which help students develop into flexible and well rounded musicians.   Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin

My teaching style is defined by a combination of high standards, understanding, nurture and patience. I will set realistic goals for each student based on his/her abilities. I will encourage and try new ways to explain or demonstrate a skill that the student is having difficulty with and I will be extremely enthusiastic about their accomplishments. However, I will assertively make it known if the student shows that they have not been practicing in a supportive way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

For the beginning student, I typically suggest a collection of specific studies from an array of sources, some designed simply for technique and others for the development of musical understanding. Naturally, these depend on the individual and their needs. I am most dedicated to facilitating the needs of each individual student and providing them the ability to express their musical ideas clearly and easily. For more advanced students, I will focus on honing technical proficiency and challenging them with new repertoire, preparing them for new musical opportunities, such as youth orchestras, chamber music, recitals, and competitions to further their growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Keyboard

Excellent, nurturing Suzuki violin pedagogy - treating music as a mother tongue to absorb, imitate, and engage with - informs my methods for beginning and intermediate students. Gradually, as the student shows readiness, we blend in the traditional yet humane study of expert violin playing and thoughtful musicianship modeled for me in Dorothy DeLay's masterclass. As distinct from many string players, I am also a devoted and accomplished singer. So breathing, posture, phrasing, color, line, and articulation are key to my approaches to making and teaching music, and thus to helping my students x22singx22 through their playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Electric Violin Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Besides teaching privately, I am also the adjunct cello teacher for The Pennington School. My responsibilities also include running sectionals, orchestra rehearsals as well as performing for various functions and with the students in their concerts. This has given me the opportunity to work with an ensemble, which is something I did really enjoy while working in the public schools. With over 20 years of teaching experience, I have worked with students from the beginning level through advanced. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Beginners: Suzuki Methodology up to book 6 with heavy emphasis on technique and fundamentals Intermediate: Standard solo repertoire Mozart, Bach, Haydn, Kabalevsky, with focus on advanced technique (intonation, colle, martele, sautille, etc) (Ideal for students who wish to do PMEA) etudes: wohlfahrt, kreutzer Advanced: Iconic solo repertoire Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, Mendelssohn with focus on musicality (advanced phrasing, expressive shifting, sounding point, bow speed/weight control, smooth bow and string crossings) etudes: Rode, Paganini Read More