Jackson Heights, NY Violin Lessons

detail needed in deciding the appropriate violin and rental details!

*** Specialties ***
Suzuki, Traditional

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

I am also a alumna of the Meadowmount School of Music.

Currently, I am a registered teacher with the Suzuki Association of America and have completed Suzuki teacher training for books 1 - 8 at NYC's School for Strings, where I trained with Ekaterina Gerson and Allen Lieb. I have also completed additional violin and viola pedagogy studies with Ann Setzer of the Julliard School. My students have been accepted to performing arts high schools such as Laguardia Highschool School for the Performing Arts and now perform with ensembles such as Chicago University's Chamber Orchestra.

In addition, I completed both Music Mind Games Units 1 & 2 teacher training with Michiko Yurko in 2012. I incorporate this fun way of learning how to read and understand music theory into all of my lessons.

I have been teaching privately for over 10 years, and look forward to continuing to enrich other peoples' lives through music for years to come.

*** Lesson Details ***
I generally try to tailor my teaching approach based on a student's individual goals with a strong emphasis on proper violin technique. I have the most experience teaching using the Suzuki method, but also utilize more traditional approaches in order to address the developmental level of my pupil. I expect my students to come in with a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic.

With students 7 years of age and younger, I strongly recommend that a parent take lessons for 6 weeks prior to their child beginning instruction. I also insist that parents sit in on their child's lessons and take notes. This enables parents to properly supervise their child's practice, which ultimately leads to speedier progress and a better grasp of the material being taught.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Separate dedicated violin studio in apartment with piano.

I do own three cats (Spork, Pancakes, and Brienne), so please let me know if this is a problem!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I ask that my students please speak to me prior to purchasing or renting an instrument.

Following the first violin lesson, I expect my student to provide their instrument (I can provide a list of resources and rental companies for instruments), a notebook, any music books assigned, a music stand, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical playing and prefer teaching using the Suzuki method. I am currently registered with the Suzuki Association of America. I am also flexible enough to assist a student seeking to branch out, and for those not interested in Suzuki, I am also able to teach via more traditional methods. Additionally, I have an extensive educational background in music theory, I am also able to take those students interested in taking beginning to intermediate viola lessons.

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

usician in Europe and the United States.

Professional work experience:
- Park Avenue Chamber Orchestra - NY,NY
- Charlotte Symphony Orchestra - Florida
- Tbilisi State Symphony Orchestra - Georgia
- Tbilisi State Opera House Orchestra - Georgia
- Tbilisi State Sympho-Jazz Orchestra - Georgia
- Tbilisi State Pop - Jazz Ensemble - Georgia

*** Lesson Details ***
Each lesson will be taught in response to current needs of a student but the following are the parts that make up an entire lesson:
- Technique
- Theory
- Music
- Practice
All together are basic fundamentals.

My job as a teacher is to help you find a place for music in your daily life and to make a practice time more of an experimental discovery play, than boring work. Once you find a key, it opens up a whole new world of communication.

As a private violin instructor, I believe that education is impossible without student’s motivation and passion. Perhaps you have decided to become a professional musician or maybe you want to play for your own enjoyment... Whatever your goals are, I can lead you there! Let's make it happen together because it is never late to follow a dream!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music studio set up in the living room.
Parents welcome.

*** Specialties ***
Classical

rked with innovative composers such as Steve Reich, John Adams, and Richard Danielpour. Sarah has been invited to perform at Symphony Hall and Jordan Hall in Boston, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Carnegie Hall, and many other concert venues in the New York Tri-State and New England areas.

Sarah is the violinist for The Moirae Ensemble, with whom she joined in 2013. She has since performed solo and collaborative recitals with the group in New York and Boston, featuring contemporary female composers. Sarah looks forward to returning with The Moirae Ensemble in the 2014-15 season and eagerly anticipates joining Barnard College's award winning concert series in the 2014-15 season.

Sarah also regularly performs and records with rock groups such as Jesse Malin, Pete Pigeon, Quentin Angus, Shsha, and her own bands, American Dream and Uzi & Ari, with whom she is releasing a much anticipated fifth album in 2015.

Sarah received her Bachelor and Masters of Music from The Juilliard School as a student of Joel Smirnoff and Glenn Dicterow.

cts. She is also a founder and Artistic Director of the conductor-less String Orchestra of New York City- SONYC.

y best to accommodate you.

Nice to meet you!