Seaford, NY Violin Lessons

of seconds, or minutes.

FRIENDLINESS
I respect others and what they feel and have to say. I treat others as I would want to be treated and lessons are always a pleasure to my students, because it is a pleasure for me to teach them.

EXPERIENCE
I have been playing for over 26 years. I have played with a multitude of local orchestras and bands and have done countless studio recording sessions and live shows. All of this experience comes through in my teaching either directly (when it comes time for you to perform) or incrementally.

When you are learning, there is a vast sea of information. Not all of that knowledge is equal in importance. It is incredibly important to be able to distinguish what is important and what is not very important. All of my real-life experience, and continuing experience reveals itself in the form of ensuring my students know what is truly important.

Lest you get the idea that I am a wishy-washy, undemanding teacher, I can assure you this is not the case. Lessons are fun, but that is because they are productive. You will walk away being able to do something, and that requires hard work, and practice.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM MY STUDENTS
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
And a winning attitude.

I can even work with you if you don't have a winning attitude, but it makes it more fun when you do!

HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Some students who were musicians previously leave the first lesson being able to play their first song. Most students however, who have never played an instrument before, can expect to be comfortable bowing (a huge part of the process - half the sound!) within the first few weeks, and will then move on to learning songs. We will be learning sheet music as well, on a very, very easy gradient. After the first couple months, I expect you to tell me which song it is you might like to learn most so that we can start working on it.

RENTALS
I rent out violins of all sizes.
I sell the book that I teach out of (or you can obtain it online or from Sam Ash).

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them. You can use the contact button on this website and I will gladly answer you in return.

Vermeer Quartet. From 2012 to 2014, Michael served as principal cellist of the Symphony Orchestra at Hunter College while concurrently earning a Masters degree in Music Education. He graduated with summa cum laude honors in 2014 and began his teaching career with the New York City Department of Education later that year.

At present, Michael is director of Orchestral activities at P.S. 205 Clarion in Brooklyn N.Y. and principal cellist of the Riverside Orchestra on the upper west side of Manhattan. He runs a full private teaching studio and actively gigs in and around the greater New York City area. He has also played in numerous master classes for world renowned cellists such as Lynn Harrell and Andres Diaz, and has had the privilege of working with esteemed conductors such as Marietta Cheng of the Southern Finger Lakes Orchestra, Paul Hostetter, Chair of Orchestral Activities for the Schwob School of Music, and Rueben Blundell, current Conductor and Music Director of the Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra, the Hunter Symphony and the Riverside Orchestra.

While Michael does enjoy a busy academic and teaching schedule, he believes that part of the joy of being a working musician is having the ability to share his love of music with others, something he feels both honored and privileged to be able to do.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching philosophy is one that tailors to the specific needs, interests and abilities of each individual. Throughout my years of private instruction, I have learned that no two individuals learn and/or think the same way. Thus, for some students I have found the Suzuki method to be highly effective, while for others I have been more comprehensive with my instruction, incorporated scales, etudes, sonatas, concerti and Bach suites for a more well rounded approach. Regardless of the methodology employed, all of my students will attest that I set clear and high expectations for every lesson, yet am very understanding, friendly and approachable right from the start. My goal is to provide every individual with the tools necessary for becoming a well-rounded musician, so that they too can share their love for music with others.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Two music stands and chairs.

*** Specialties ***
While I do specialize in classical instruction, I am able to instruct students in a variety of genres, including Jazz, Pop, and alternative rock. In addition, I tend to tailor my lessons to the needs of my students. If they are more comfortable learning by rote, then this is how I tend to instruct. My lessons are loosely structured by beginning with scales, moving on to etudes, then finishing with Bach suites, a sonata and/or a concerto.

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)

nal piano goals and skill levels are, I will help you improve and enjoy playing the piano more. I am very patient, encouraging and supportive of your desire to play the piano better. In addition to piano, I teach beginner and intermediate violin and viola students.

I encourage all my students to perform once or twice a year but this is entirely optional and based on the student's comfort level.

I am available and willing to travel to your home for an extra fee as long as public transportation is available.

n technique, theory, improvisation, ear-training, songwriting, and more!

learn the tradition of the Russian and Franco-Belgian violin school that I transmit with all my passion to all my students.