Burtonsville, MD Viola Lessons

ram specifically for their needs, from working through simple bowing mechanics issues to the psychology of performance. Each student has different challenges to overcome, and simply using a one-size fits all approach is not going to help them.

I pride myself in being flexible and available to to my students for questions, whenever they may need to ask them. I believe that you shouldn't have to wait for the next lesson to have the question answered that may just make the pieces start coming together a bit quicker for you.

*** Lesson Details ***
A typical lesson consists of checking student's progress, addressing any immediate issues and working on skill building.

OK, so those are the basics, but what happens is so much more than that! One student may have trouble hitting a C#, so we'll work on those. Another may have trouble relaxing, we might spend some time on breathing exercises to help with that. Still another might have a death grip on the neck of their instrument, so we'll do some exercises to help relax their hands.

My goal is to help students get well on their way to a lifetime love of learning and making music.

In 3-6 months, they should be:
* Reading music consistently at a level appropriate to their progress.
* Developing an understanding of rhythm and meter.
* Placing their fingers properly, and reliably for the most part.
* Developing correct posture and holding their instrument and bow in a relaxed manner that suits their body type and facilitates the freedom of movement required for great music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
music stand, music

*** Travel Equipment ***
Viola or violin, music stand, music.

*** Specialties ***
Classically trained, but I realize not everyone learns the same way, so a hardcore theory based approach is not always the right choice. We work together to develop a plan that will work and help foster a love of making music.

I specialize in working with kids of all ages. Don't we all have a little kid inside us just itching to get out and play?

opment Program that sets a national standard of musical achievement in various fields.

Befitting his penchant for encouraging artistic interest amongst younger members of his community, Farobag is also the principal conductor of the Zoroastrian Symphony Orchestra that offers a unique mixture of young and seasoned professionals sitting side-by-side in a strictly professional setting. Since the year 2000, the ZSO has staged highly successful performances at various venues in Houston, Chicago, and Toronto. A New Year's eve performance in Los Angeles is scheduled for 2014.

Having also taken graduate-level coursework in educational psychology, mathematics, and philosophy at the University of Chicago, Farobag offers tutelage in various areas of elementary and secondary education as well as in SAT, ACT and GRE test preparation.

Additionally, as a certified Reiki Master, therapeutic and/or educational sessions are also extended to those who may be inclined to alternative healing techniques.

*** Lesson Details ***
Sheer technique is necessary but insufficient to play an instrument well. Aural skills, that include the study of functional tonality and voice-leading are important factors that impart musicality. This is of great import if the prospective musician wants the audience to truly enjoy his or her performance !

Whether it be the 3 Rs or preparation in the performing arts, a remarkable instructor must go well beyond the subject matter at hand and help imbue the student with a spirit of wonder that, in due time, will foster enthusiasm necessary for excellence.

A child emulates and learns to communicate in his or her mother-tongue through a supporting and nurturing environment. Likewise, a student needs to be sufficiently motivated to embrace learning in a familiar supportive manner.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The In-Studio lesson take place in the living room. Driveway parking. No pets.

*** Travel Equipment ***
None; I do expect a reasonably good piano / keyboard at a student's home.

*** Specialties ***
Traditional and Suzuki-based education. Performance and musicality training is open to all instrumentalists.

*** CD's***
Classical Energy, Triton Sound, TS 8501
Salut D'Amour, Triton Sound, TS 9014
Epiphanies1, The Halford Company

ts have even attended and performed in some of these aforementioned festivals! I am always encouraging my students to go above and beyond.

A bit of background about me: I started my music studies at the age of 7. Lessons and orchestra were literally the highlight of my childhood. I ended up attending the Baltimore School for the Arts for high school, and eventually went on to receive my Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Shenandoah University and complete further studies in England and Northern Ireland. I am also a registered Suzuki Violin/Viola teacher and have attended several teachers workshops in order to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work with any and all types of students, including those with learning disabilities, such as ADD and FAS.

*** Lesson Details ***
While I am a registered Suzuki violin teacher, I do not teach solely out of a certain method or "by the book"; I choose and mold every lesson depending on specific, strengths, weaknesses, etc. If you are a more advanced, serious player, more intensive lessons and repertoire will follow suit.

I am comfortable teaching all ages and levels up to advanced. Use of games make learning the violin fun and accessible for young children. Older and more advanced students receive a more technical, intensive and advanced approach. Coaching and weekly help on school assigned materials (orchestra/string class music and homework) Classical, Jazz, Gypsy and Fiddle styles are all introduced and studied to give students a rounded technique. Music theory (reading and understanding music) is incorporated in lessons. Repertoire is diverse and exciting. Various approaches for the visual or aural learner. Guaranteed to keep you or your child engaged and interested!

*** Travel Equipment/Home Lesson Details ***
-Please have a music stand available and set up for lessons that take place in your home.
-If you are coming to my home for lessons, please be sure to bring your instrument and any books you may already have.

**Please note, there are three cats and a small, affectionate and very friendly Papillon in the house. They are all isolated to a different part of the house during lessons to ensure there are no unnecessary distractions and to help minimize potential allergies (studio is also sprayed with allergy reducer spray and vacuumed regularly). All are UTD on shots. Please call and ask to reschedule a "trial" lesson to see if the animals interfere with allergies.

New students:
I have a trial 1/2, 3/4 & 4/4 size violin to use for the first lesson.
After the first lesson I will send an email explaining what materials and equipment I recommend you buy to help you sound your best.

Places to rent or buy instruments will be recommended upon request.

*** Cancellation/Reschedule Requests ***
1) At least 24 hours notice is required if you need to cancel your, or your child's, lesson. You will be given the option to take a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons on your calendar, or the option to reschedule for a different day within two weeks of the canceled lesson.

2) If you find that you need to cancel with less than 24 hours notice (I completely understand life happens, and sometimes it is unavoidable to provide 24hr notice), you will be given the option to make up your lesson within 7 calendar days of your originally scheduled lesson time. If you cannot do a makeup lesson, this will result in the lesson being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

3) If you do not show up to your lesson scheduled at my home studio on Tilmont Ave and no notice was given, the lesson will be marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson. This also applies to "in-home" lessons-- if you are not home when I arrive and no notice was given, this will result in the lesson also being marked as "missed" and will still be charged as if you attended the lesson.

4) If I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson for whatever reason, you will be given an option for a makeup lesson or given a credit that will automatically roll over to cover future unpaid lessons.

5) I require two weeks notice if you would like to discontinue lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki Violin/Viola Method
Music Theory Tutor
Genres: Classical, fiddle, gypsy, jazz.
Experience teaching ages 3-Adults.

teach music for over 24 years using the traditional and Suzuki methods. I am a fan of the Essential Elements 2000 for string instruments, and the Alfred's Piano Library for piano. Alfred's piano library can be used for any age as they also have books especially made for adult learners. I also like their music flash cards.
For teaching music theory I mostly used Master Theory.

I personalize every lesson, and always set goals for my students. Most of my violin students are members of the Florida Youth Orchestra as well as Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and my piano students participate in Pompano Beach competition and the annual Piano Guild auditions.
I teach any age and any level, and always stress that learning a new instrument is very similar to learning a new language, it needs a lot of patience, persistence and repetitions. My lessons are customized to my students needs, and are work in progress as they needs may change over time. I always remind my students that music can give them instant gratification when they learn to play favorite songs.
I always encourage my students to tell me about their music preferences, so I can incorporate them in their music lessons.

*** Lesson Details ***
All my tutoring sessions include reviews of previously learned material and if possible the use of technology. I use students books but often bring extra study materials if necessary.
All my lessons include: technique: I like to use the Finger Power for piano students and Essential Elements for my string students, and scales for both.
music theory: I use Master Theory or other books such as Hal Leonard's Piano Note spellers & Piano Music Theory books for younger ages, music flash cards to support learning notes and musical terminology, and of course the fun part performance.

Besides Essential Elements 2000 for strings I also use String Tunes and Fiddle Runners to add more fun to the lessons. For piano students I use Holiday Treats book, which comes in 2 different levels: Beginner & Intermediate, so my students have a new songs for a specific holiday.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I always bring violin with me to be able to show what I teach.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The students needs to have their books and assigned material ready for tutoring. Instrumental students needs to have their music books & instrument available as well as a pencil. I always stress with my students to be organized and prepared for their lesson, this way they will be able to focus better during the lesson. I bring my violin with me. I also ask that the room where the lesson takes place to be free of any distractions, such other siblings or any other noise. The quiet environment helps in faster learning.

*** Specialties ***
I tutor most K-12 subjects and prepare students to take ACT, SAT, GRE tests.
Music genres: Classical, traditional, Suzuki, Popular, Celtic, fiddle, Blues

find it rewarding working with beginners and the opportunity to show them the amazing world of listening, playing and making music.

The teaching begins with identifying student's musical needs, goals and tastes. Students are taught a stimulating, thorough, and graduated course of recital solos, theory, technical studies, and classic repertoire. For those wishing to pursue more of a classical approach to music, there are proven methods to accomplish that goal established by European master teachers and pedagogues. Also, I can teach the know-how of Jazz and Blues though gradual lessons that cover basic theory, scales and chords up to melody and harmony development.

*** Lesson Details ***
The learning process should be, for the most part, fun and based upon a strong relationship between the teacher and the student. Curriculum and lesson plans are based on student's abilities and aspirations with appropriate balance between theoretical and practical work. The lesson material is always carefully chosen, and when necessary, adapted to specific learning needs.

With a proper approach, everyone can learn to play music. Whether you want to pursue a music career, or just play for fun and enjoyment I can help you attain your goals. From basic piano and stringed instruments, to advanced theory, harmony, composition and improvisation to jazz, pop and rock.

Classes are not based on a single source or book. I provide other exercises in printed form for students to keep and take home.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two high end digital keyboards, two violins, viola, cello, upright bass, bass guitar and amplifier, music stands, stereo equipment with a large CD collection of just any conceivable music style.. Assorted school instruments: recorder (soprano and tenor), xylophone. Various music charts and a large library of music resources and other books; Extensive e-library and ability to print any required material on the spot. Instant access to many on-line sheet music resources.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Full size and a school grade digital keyboards , bass guitar, amplifier, staff paper and other printed resources, violin, viola, spare parts, maintenance tools and equipment.

*** Specialties ***
Pop, Classical, Jazz, Ethnic and Modal music, Composition, Arranging, Harmony, Counterpoint, Advanced Music Theory