Private lessons with top Viola instructors near Pittsburgh, PA

I've been teaching viola for over 28 years and my students have gone on to play in youth orchestras, community orchestras, attend PMEA and ASTA events or go to college as a music major. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to improve your playing skills and as time goes on you'll be able to play at a more advanced level. I specialize in Traditional Classical violin, typically use Essential Elements 2000, Samuel Applebaum methods, Suzuki methods, Barbara Barber books and traditional scales and etude books. I love working with students of all ages and experience levels and I can't wait to meet you!

My philosophy is to teach the student, not the concepts. I carefully construct lesson plans for each of my students, as they are all unique. For my beginner students, my goal is to foster a love of not only their instrument, but music in general. For my more advanced students who are interested in pursuing a career in music, my goal is to help them establish their ambitions, refine their skillset, and I discuss what has given me success in my career.

All levels of viola study from beginner through professional. I am a professional violinist/violist with a Master of Music degree, extensive performance, and teaching ability/experience,

Intermediate - Expert Viola! I shall guide you through your passage-work, intonation, vibrato, sliding, presence, and solidity. I can also encourage musical intuition and imagination for creative students and teach them how to be independent thinkers. Therefore, I can tailor the student’s personal curriculum to achieve their greatest musicianship. I teach Suzuki and Traditional methods with utmost observance and give great clarity on the student's progress. I have performed as a classical soloist, in chamber groups, and with a full orchestra. Additionally, I have experience in modern popular music. I help my students understand their body, the importance of both mental preparation, and the knowledge of how to become completely comfortable during their practice time and their performance time. I love being able to use my extensive worldwide experiences to galvanize the interests of my students. I have been fortunate to have lived in so many places, to have studied with the greats and near-greats, and to have learned so much more than music technique.

The art of melody and harmony dynamics. The importance of inner voices of the string family in quartet playing. Discover the role of the Viola as a solo instrument and within the orchestra.

I've been teaching viola for 3 years and my students have felt more prepared in their community and school orchestras. As students progress they will better understand scales, bow technique, and musical phrasing. I specialize in beginning technique, typically use Essential Elements books, and have the following tools available for your lessons: personalized exercise packets, a keyboard, and scores. Something different about me is that I offer students methods to begin composition. Adult students are welcom! Recorded lessons are available. Parents are welcome to sit in! Cancelation Policy: A MISSED lesson without notification will be charged as the full amount. Please let me know 24 hours in advance if you or your student will not be able to attend a lesson (For emergencies, just let me known as soon as you can.)

Cindy holds two degrees and a teaching Certificate.  She obtained her Master of Arts degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2016.  In 1996, she received a full music scholarship to Sam Houston State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Viola Performance. Mrs. H has 25 years of experience teaching private violin, viola, cello, and piano, as well as 12 years teaching elementary music and orchestra for the public school system.  Mrs. H has performed at hundreds of weddings, receptions, and parties with various string quartets, as well as orchestral events and churches all across Texas. Mrs. H loves music and teaching, and her favorite part of teaching is sharing her love of music with others.  She teaches utilizing a wide variety of techniques and methods, ranging from the Suzuki method to more traditional methods. Because of her diverse teaching background, she excels at teaching students of all ages: from the four year old beginning piano student to the advanced high school senior violinist.  Hundreds of her private students have made All-Region Orchestras, first division ratings at Solo/Ensemble, and even first division ratings at the State Solo/Ensemble contest.  Some of Mrs. H's former students have continued in their musical pursuits to become professional musicians.

beginning through intermediate.