07/22/2023
https://youtu.be/QnviWsV4_hQ
Violin Tutorial - an exercise in 5th position
in this tutorial, I discuss 5th position and give an introductory exercise in it that’s fun and easy based on a Twinkle. This tutorial assumes you already ca...
07/22/2023
Let's discuss the different level classifications of students.
I classify students into three basic levels. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Beginner students have never touched a violin before. How to hold the violin, and very basic easy songs -- all in 1st position. We might start with the plastic colored tapes on the fingerboard to help train the ears and guide the fingers into place.
Intermediate is actually the level where having a great teacher is the most crucial -- the goal of an intermediate student is to master shifting into positions, learning vibrato, and setting the foundation for serious advanced study. Intermediate is where rigorous scale and etude study are first introduced, as well as practice methods.
There is a proverbial 'Intermediate brick wall' aka 'The Book 4 Wall' where most students really struggle and get frustrated with their progress! The pieces get harder, and require more and more technique -- yet most teachers either don't teach this technique, or they don't teach it effectively.
This is where I come in. I will drill you on the etudes and be a task master and push you to stick with it!!
Advanced level is once the student is comfortable playing in upper positions, shifting, and vibrating. Now it's time to study the great repertoire and focus on musicality and style and sound production. Sound quality becomes the big technical theme in lessons - the bow arm - putting weight into the string and proper bow control. Left hand study is of course still relevant - we will break out the Ricci book and introduce show pieces of Wieniawski, Paganini, and Sarasate to really build a dominant technique! Repertoire covered is from the classical canon -- the big pieces that everyone loves! But it isn't just about playing the right notes -- it is unleashing your voice -- your passion - your interpretation of the composer!
There you have it. the three levels of violin study! Give me a call today at 954.515.7605 and let's discuss how we can get you to the next level!
07/21/2023
Some of my students! Call 954.515.7605 to schedule your first lesson today for free!
07/21/2023
Welcome to my teaching page! Here is some basic general info! Call 954.515.7605 to schedule your free trial lesson today!
Violin lessons are available at my apartment in Davie for students of all ages (4 and up) and levels! Adult beginners are welcome! Seniors too! Children with special needs are also welcome!
I teach Classical violin with a strong emphasis on building technique and fundamental skills!
I use the following curriculum books: Suzuki Books 1-4 (beginner - intermediate), Fun with Solos (intermediate), solos for young violinists (intermediate), Whistler Introducing the Positions (intermediate), Wolfart (intermediate), Kreutzer (advanced), Ricci Left Hand Technique (super advanced). All students are expected to study scales!
For my beginners, I teach Suzuki repertoire, but I teach it from a traditional point of view -- I am not a certified 'Suzuki teacher'.
Note reading is taught to all students over the age of 6 from day one! Younger students will be introduced to note reading when they are ready (typically when they're also reading in school).
I teach the standard classical repertoire, but I also incorporate modern classical composers and also recent pop music into my teaching!
Other topics I incorporate into my teaching: music theory and ear training (all levels), improvisation (intermediate-advanced), electric violin fun (all levels), and music business skills (advanced)
I do not offer a 'group class' at this time -- I encourage my students to audition for the Florida Youth Orchestra and participate in their school's orchestra program (if offered). I also help my students prepare for these auditions.
The cost of Lessons is $90/hour. Lessons are paid for monthly (usually 4 at a time). I accept cash, Zelle. and Venmo.
30 minute lessons are recommended for students under the age of seven. 60 minute lessons are recommended for everyone else. Most students take one lesson per week.
Lessons are available in person in Davie for all levels. Zoom lessons are available for advanced students of all ages, and adults of all levels.
I offer flexible lesson scheduling. Evenings and weekends available too!
Discounts are available for ADVANCED level students only, and only for those with a financial need.
Where to buy violin for beginners: Fiddlershop in Pompano Beach is where I highly recommend. Also, some of the instruments sold at Sam Ash are acceptable. DO NOT BUY A $70 VIOLIN ON EBAY NOR AMAZON -- THESE INSTRUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR SERIOUS STUDY!
My Credentials and Background: I have been playing violin since I was 4. I have been performing in public since I was 8. I graduated from Eastman School of Music, a very prestigious conservatory. I have been teaching for almost 20 years! I have experience teaching all ages and levels, and have also taught group classes in a school setting for 10 years!
Watch me play here: https://youtu.be/K_-OZOo8vLw
There are a lot of teachers that cannot even play themselves! There are a lot of teachers that have no solid education in music! Don't go to them -- come to me instead!
Many music schools you find on google will hire any warm body that's willing to pretend to be a teacher -- these schools pocket at least 50% of what you pay for lessons! Many of these teachers do not play violin, or play very badly-- most are not professional performers! You are paying for the fancy studio in the strip mall, and you are paying for the greedy owner's luxury car/boat!
Never choose a teacher without hearing them play themselves first! Would you hire an obese personal trainer? Why would you hire a violin teacher that cannot play violin well?
I often get students that come to me after years studying with these fraudulent teachers -- they have severe technical limitations!
Your first lesson is free, give me a call to set up your trial lesson/consultation today! No obligation!
954.515.7605
07/22/2023