Violin Lessons in Westfield, NJ

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ever since I started playing viola in the third grade, I have been drawn to performing and teaching music. I am a graduate of the Hartt School, where I was a member of an honors chamber music program, Performance 20-20. Since 2007 I have been a violist in the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and freelance on both viola and violin throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, NY. Chamber music, however, is my number one passion and one of the reasons I love playing and teaching the violin and viola!! 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: Violin Viola

My private teaching career began in high school, where I was asked by the music teachers in my school district in Westchester, New York to assist in preparing middle- and elementary school students for local competitions and festivals (such as NYSSMA). During college, I was able to maintain a private studio and was fortunate enough to spend summers assistant teaching at music festivals. Currently I teach in a number of music schools in and around New York City, and serve as Adjunct Instructor of Viola and Violin at New York University to undergraduate students. Read More

Instruments: Violin Cello Viola Double Bass

I work in partner with students who are enrolled in public school lessons, and incorporate their school's method book (i.e. Essential Elements 2000 or similar), as well as rudimentary exercises and pieces appropriate for their level. I am a strong advocate of Kreutzer etudes, Hrimaly scales, and Suzuki pieces as learning tools. I guide my instruction based around the students' ability, needs, and goals. I believe that learning music is a constant conversation between student, teacher, and any others involved (parents, guardians, siblings, school music teacher), and like to keep communication open with weekly notes and homework assignments recorded in a music notebook. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Electric Violin Music Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with my method based on a combination of the Suzuki method, a base of the European School, and my intuition and vision of each student. 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 Acoustic Guitar

I also encourage my students to memorize each piece of music. For the grade-school students, this can help them build the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in the classroom outside of music. Music education can be useful in all areas of one's life. Performance: I've been performing with the violin for nearly 20 years. I've played with the Hershey Symphony, Penn State's Philharmonic Orchestra, various chamber groups, and many types of bands across a large variety of genres. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach from a flexible curriculum depending on the student's goals and interests. If someone wants to learn technique, music theory, songwriting, how to play Taylor Swift songs, arranging, composing, confidence, et cetera we will work on what is driving them to take lessons and learn! If the student is younger I will provide them with an organized syllabus and “fun” damentals! If they are older, I will help them find a way to stick with the music and accomplish their goals. Read More