Burlington Music Lessons

ed violin teachers who have sought me out to improve their techniques for best teaching practices. From my 30+ years of private violin teaching and observing how children learn, I developed a super fun groundbreaking class in New York City for 2.5 to 5 year old beginners called Crackerjack Kidz! And a few years ago, I wrote a text to accompany young students and their families.

I continuously work to be a master teacher dedicated to the very best methods, using a variety and combination of techniques and strategies tailored to the student's musical success and enjoyment.

My specialties include music-based early childhood development, adult beginners and continuing learners, intermediate and advanced players, and chamber music coaching.

I welcome you to start your family's musical journey with me!

*** Lesson Details ***
While each lesson is different, we always try to spend a little time warming up, making sure we're comfortable and free of tension, reviewing what we've worked on, and layering in new concepts each time. We also learn age appropriate music theory (the "why's" of how music works), we exercise our imaginations, and we learn how to effectively practice.

We learn to think, solve problems, hear the music in our minds, and coordinate our bodies to play beautifully! Along the way we learn skills for life, the joy of accomplishment, and love of ourselves and others!

Whether you're a toddler or a senior, violin can always teach new things and help students appreciate more about themselves and the world!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music room with keyboard and computer. Parents can sit it on lessons, and are enouraged to do so with young students.

*** Specialties ***
I'm a classically trained violinist and a master teacher with over 30 years of experience. I've been teaching Suzuki violin to children ages 3 and up for my whole career, and I'm also extremely comfortable with traditional methods for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students of any age.

My specialties include:
music-based early childhood development
adult beginners and continuing learners
intermediate and advanced players
chamber music coaching.

I have taught voice on faculty at Camp Encore/Coda, music composition with Classroom Cantatas, and private voice lessons out of my home studio, currently in Somerville. I've also taught for 2 after school programs and 3 summer camps. I've studied piano, both classical and jazz, for a total of 15 years. I have studied a variety of musical topics at college, from theory and composition to singing and conducting, to music technology, recording and engineering. I've performed and directed in diverse styles ranging from early music to broadway musicals, jazz to classic rock, American to Swedish.

*** Lesson Details ***
Your voice is simultaneously the most natural, intuitive instrument we know, and among the most complex. Every person's voice is unique, so lessons are not about fitting your voice to some imagined ideal. Rather, lessons are an opportunity to learn how to utilize your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, while maintaining your own unique sound.

You'll learn how to:
- Use your breath effectively to support your voice.
- Reduce tension, to keep your voice healthy and help your voice last longer.
- Make more sound with less muscle work, through resonance.
- Involve your whole body, to produce a fuller sound.
- Make good artistic choices, which reflect your own unique perspective.
...and much more, according to your goals.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Studio room with full weighted keyboard and seating for parents.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can reliably reach students 5 miles away, traveling by bike or public transit depending on the student's location.

I prefer students to have a piano or keyboard, though we can work without one if necessary. My keyboard is too bulky to be carried around for each lesson. If a keyboard is not available, we can work without one, and I will bring a tuning fork for starting pitches.

*** Specialties ***
I sing in a variety of styles, including classical, broadway, and jazz, both sacred and secular, from around the world. I have extensive knowledge of music theory, and 15 years experience as a pianist. Although I do not currently teach piano, my ability to accompany vocalists during lessons is very helpful for students.

s I do not have access to a car, I prefer that students come to my home studio in Somerville, or that they be within public transit options.

N.B. I own a dog, so for those with allergies, it might be best to meet in your own home.

n independent research project in York, United Kingdom. While in the UK, Crispin worked with faculty at the University of York to create modern performance editions from early music manuscripts with special attention to paleography and music philology.

Crispin strives to communicate music with clarity, humanity, exuberance and self-awareness. Crispin studies classical guitar performance and politics at Oberlin College and Conservatory.

hool of Education in order to become a licensed school guidance counselor.

I'm an effective communicator and enthusiastic person and my teaching style is clear, tailored to individual needs, and engaging. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

ores of Miami, he then found himself in Winchester VA.
It was at the Shenandoah Conservatory, where he studied under world renowned tenor, Michael Forest, and Grammy award winning composer and director, Robert Shafer (a student of Nadia Boulanger). While at Shenandoah, he developed a strong knowledge of classical music and form, and really began to discover his "voice" in his compositions. As well as develop an insatiable thirst for the verismo movement in opera.
He soon left Shenandoah to start pursuing performance opportunities, and wound up auditioning for the Berklee College of Music. Where he currently attends and studies voice and jazz composition.

ic International Opera School (ArtDip).

Throughout my career, I have been exposed to a variety of teaching styles and methods. I have been fortunate to have wonderful teachers guide me through the process of becoming an artist. Having performed professionally on some of the world’s premiere stages, I have a strong desire to impart the knowledge and wisdom that I have attained; teaching each student according to their own needs. It is my belief that each student should not be solely dependent on their teacher. My teaching approach is one that allows the student to slowly become one’s own teacher; building daily confidence in their own practice and technique. I teach my students to build good, healthy habits in their practicing and performing through breath support, resonance, and body alignment. I strive to create a positive and supportive environment but will also challenge each student according to their level.