Experience:

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I have been teaching violin and piano in private and group settings for over ten years, and taught for three years as a public school music teacher with the New York City Board of Education.

 

I received my classcial training at Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division and at the Mannes College of Music, and received a BFA in Jazz Performance at the City College of New York.

Approach:

 

I believe that for a student to retain their interest and motivation in learning in instrument, it is essential for them to feel physically comfortable playing it as soon as possible. At the early stages of instruction, I devote a heavy emphasis on understanding how the human body relates to their instrument and how to play it without physical tension.

 

I prepare my students to be as well-rounded, musically, as possible. In addition to focusing on the technical aspects of becoming an instrumentalist, I believe it is important to have a working grasp of music theory, and to have a well developed ear.

 

I believe the ability to to improvise and play by ear, and the ability to read and write music are equally important aspects of musicianship, and I incorporate both aspects into my teaching. 

 

I believe the ability to appreciate and understand a wide variety of musical styles and traditions facilitates creativity. At the same time, I believe success with an instrument is dependant on the strength of one's direct personal investment in it. As a result, I believe it is important to develop a student's ability to play the music they find to be most interesting and personally rewarding, while at the same time exposing the student to other kinds of music they may not be familiar with or have the tools for understanding.

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