Garden City, NY Violin Lessons

06/08 Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony, Lynbrook, NY
• Music Director, Conductor
• Conducted weekly rehearsals (night) and 3-4 concerts during the concert season

10/03-06/08 Globe Institute of Technology, New York, NY
• Adjunct Professor of Music

06/07-08/07 JCC of Cherry Hill, NJ
• Musical Theater Director
• Taught acting, improvisation, singing. Produced musical shows.

10/06-06/07 JCH of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY
• Musical Theater Director
• Produced musical theater shows
• Taught students of ages 5-12 various vocal selections

09/00-06/07 NYC Board of Education, District 20, P.S.200; P.S.179
• Band / Orchestra Director
• Taught all woodwind, brass and percussion, violin, piano

05/99-06/06 School for Musical Performance, Brooklyn, NY
• Instructed students on Piano, Guitar, All string and wind instruments and vocals.
• Prepared students for the auditions to the prestigious schools and other music organizations.

1993-1997 St. Petersburg Radio Orchestra, Russia
• Principal Bassoonist
Other work experience:
• Performed as a bassoonist with The Kirov Opera & Ballet Theatre, the Mussorgsky Opera & Ballet Theatre, The St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, The Chamber Opera Orchestra of St. Petersburg and other Symphony and Chamber orchestras of St. Petersburg, Russia
• Performed Solo Recitals in Russia, Poland, Norway and United States

Education:
06/98 The St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, St. Petersburg, Russia
M.A. in Music: Major – Bassoon Performance; Minor – Conducting
06/91 The St. Petersburg College of Music named after Rimsky-Korsakov, Russia
B.A. with a Double Major in Orchestral Performance (Bassoon) and Music Education

*** Lesson Details ***
Hi there!
Would you just like to learn a few songs on the piano, violin or guitar? Or you'd like your child be become next Joshua Bell or Evgenij Kissin? My lessons are designed with each individual student in mind. I will start my lesson with introduction and proceed with warm-up routine. I always make sure that the student is comfortable with the pace that I am offering. I am mixing elements of music theory, history and performance techniques in order to help my student to embrace the beauty of music making experience. All my students are ready to perform at the recital after just 3-4 months of lessons.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I teach using Fisher Baby Grand Piano. Fender guitars. Major brands band instruments; yamaha, selmer, gemeingardt, etc.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Fender Guitar, Yamaha Flute/Saxophone, Casio Digital Piano, Custom Violin made in England.

*** Specialties ***
suzuki violin, classical, jazz

ion in the Solo String (Bowed) category of the 14th National Student Convention in which she won 2nd Place.

In 2007, Hopengrace received a Presidential Scholarship from Tennessee Temple University (TTU). There she studied violin under Mrs. Laura Minor (B.Mus. Vanderbilt University, MA Music NYU). She also took piano from Mrs. Carolyn Kemp​ (BS Mus.Ed. Baptist Bible College, MA Mu. Ed. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) and voice from Dr. William Knowles and Mr. Michael Mays (BS Mus. Perf. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, MA Church Music Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).

In 2008, as a member of TTU's Weigle Concert Choir, Hopengrace had the privilege to be chosen to sing with a combined choir in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium with the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Dr. David Thye, Principal Conductor-in-Residence of MidAmerica Productions. She became a member of the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Youth Orchestra (CSOYO) ​in the fall of that year and continued performing with them for three seasons. She also participated in the special orchestra for the annual Chattanooga Boys' Choir "Singing Christmas Tree" concerts at the Tivoli Theatre. In 2010, world-renowned violinist Midori chose CSOYO as one of two youth orchestras for her annual Orchestra Residencies Program, and Hopengrace had the rare opportunity to perform with one of her inspirations in concert.

Hopengrace​ became a registered Suzuki Method Violin Teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas on July 2011. She has also trained in Orff-Schulwerk.

During her travels around the world, Hopengrace struggled to keep her art alive. However, she has often been complemented for her distinctive strong, full-bodied tone​ and adaptability. Her range varies from Baroque to Modern. She plays on a John Cheng 1737 "King Joseph" Guarneri model violin with both wood and carbon fiber bows.

​Hopengrace welcomes students and employment while she prepares for entrance in a Master of Music in Performance program. She hopes to start on that new chapter of her life in the fall of 2013. Inspired by the impact of Venezuela's El Sistema program and her own experiences during her travels, Hopengrace hopes to use her talents to enable or build similar programs both while she teaches and in the lands where she was raised. ​

*** Lesson Details ***
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
“Play with heart. Play with living soul.”
— Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
As a teacher, my goal is to instruct as well as inspire each student to reach for his or her highest potential. I hope to give each student the tools to progress so that one day they can be their own best teacher, and play with a sound and style that is uniquely their own. Most importantly, I hope to instill a desire to learn and a mindset that the art of violin playing is fun and that it is just as we call it--playing. My teaching abilities range from beginning through advanced levels. Students must have a desire to learn and commit to daily (mindful) practice.

I am a Suzuki Violin teacher. This means that I am trained to work with even the youngest of musicians in a nurturing , fun and challenging way. Dr. Suzuki believed that it was important to develop a noble character in all children through the mastery of a musical instrument. He also believed that all children were capable of this mastery if the environment is saturated with music and love. My students enjoy playing the violin because they are given the tools they need to play beautifully and to make progress on their instrument. Each lesson will focus on proper set up and posture, technical work and musical direction/ideas that will inspire them to carry on their work throughout the week. I demonstrate quite a bit in the lessons, as I find it is the most effective way to communicate in music. However, I am only with the student once a week, therefore much of the lesson is geared towards helping the parent and child understand what his/her home tasks are, and how to carry them out successfully. 10 minutes of mindful practice is worth an hour of careless work.
“There is no born genius. Education is the way to develop ability.”
— Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
​Parental support and involvement is key to any child’s progress, especially at the beginning stages. Parents of young beginners are encouraged to take a few lessons before starting their child on the instrument. Parents serve as a practice coach/partner during daily home practice sessions and are required to attend and participate in their child’s lessons. Listening to recordings and attending live concerts are strongly recommended to increase musical awareness and enthusiasm in the student.

In spite of my rigorous Suzuki training, my unorthodox learning experience has taught me the value of being flexible and using methods that work best for a specific individual. I am not averse to seeking and applying a new method (eg. traditional, Masterclass, O'Connor, etc.) if the situation calls for it.

What should be expected from a Teacher/Student relationship?

I think a student should expect their teacher to give them honest, thoughtful feedback. Just enough that they can manage the information at that time. The teacher should give detailed instruction on ways the student can improve, without destroying the students sense of self worth or spirit. On the contrary, the teacher must always find a way to see the student as having great potential. This way, no matter how limited the current level of ability may be, there is hope for growth. Even without saying it, the student will feel the teachers' attitude towards him and may become that person (for better or for worse). The student should expect to be challenged, encouraged and inspired by their teacher. The teacher should expect that the student and the parents commit to daily practice, and have a desire to improve. The student must apply his/her teacher's feedback while always searching within himself for ways to develop. Mutual respect is key.

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room, baby grand piano, couch, two chairs, residential area, street parking

*** Travel Equipment ***
My own violin, music stand, and teaching books. I expect my students to provide their own instruments, music stand, and student books.

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki, Orff-Schulwerk, classical, film, fiddle, world music, new age, popular, contemporary classical

been serving as a part time Suzuki violin teacher in private and community music schools in New Jersey, as well as performing actively as an orchestral and chamber musician in NYC and NJ.

My goal of teaching is to improve the student's intellect, mental-physical collaboration, to develop the skills including aural ability, emotional connection to music, enjoy playing, and to develop strong self-discipline that the students can apply to other activities. I am passionate to keep this precious human art form alive, especially in these future generations!

I grew up in professional conservatories, and started playing the violin at age 4 instructed by my mother who is a full time professional violinist with the Shanghai Symphony. I was so lucky to have her as my first violin teacher that through her teaching, I understand how important it is to study with a patient, encouraging and dedicated teacher. Teaching is such a rewarding experience to me that I am able to use my skills and knowledge to help students developing their interest and potential talent as well as achieving their multiple learning purposes.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room

*** Travel Equipment ***
Instrument, music, music stand, a piano, or a keyboard is preferable.

*** Specialties ***
Trained Suzuki Method violin teacher, SAA member. Classical genre/traditional violin repertoires

o Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)

with the National Repertory Orchestra, and has attended the Bowdoin International and Madeline Island Music Festivals.

Emily maintains a private teaching studio of twenty students ages 3 to adult in the NYC/Long Island area. Additionally, she teaches group violin classes, as well as after school private lessons in the NYC public schools through Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. In the summers of 2013-2015, she was Junior Faculty at the Stringwood Chamber Music Camp.

Emily received her bachelor's degree, summa cum laude, from Columbus State University, where she was named the Presser Scholar, and received her master's from Mannes College of Music. Currently, Emily is pursuing a DMA in Performance at the CUNY Graduate Center. Her major teachers include Daniel Phillips, Lewis Kaplan, Muneko Otani, and Sergiu Schwartz. In 2016, she completed violin teacher training through Opus 118 Harlem School of Music's intern program.

f all ages to young professionals preparing for auditions to older people who always wanted to do this and just need someone to spark their curiosity.

help!

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

adjustment in the beginning for many, but once established simply becomes part of the day, like brushing your teeth. Over time, students hear improvements from practicing consistently and this creates a very positive experience. The violin becomes a source of joy and confidence.

Violin lessons help develop skills such as coordination and focus at the highest level, persistence, confidence, creativity, patience, and many other "life" skills whose benefits extend far beyond music lessons. Many people who achieve success in a career outside music later in life often credit their music lessons as having been key in that process.

As far as my musical background, I received my music degree from Rutgers University, where I was a recipient of the Marryott Music Scholarship. Upon graduation I freelanced as a violinist in the NYC metro area. My major teachers include Neil Weintrob and Lewis Kaplan.

As a teacher I have 20 years of experience. I've worked in various programs and currently teach violin and viola lessons at a local private school, in addition to running a private studio of violin and piano students. My violin students have been concertmaster, principal players, and section players in orchestras such as All-County, Region I, and NY Youth Symphony.

Feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have. I look forward to working with you.