Lesson Details
Violin
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Calvin teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 6+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- 2010
As a classically trained violist with orchestral, chamber, and solo performance experience, my teaching style is geared towards performance and expression. I don't adhere to any one book of teaching, adjusting my teaching to the unique needs of each student. My teachers came from different pedagogical backgrounds; as a result, I have a wide array of teaching tools available to pass on to my students. I have taught with the Longy School of Music's El Sistema program and had a Teaching Artist residence with Cambridge Public Schools. I hold a BM in Viola performance from the Lamont School of Music and a MM in Viola Performance from the Longy School of Music.
I have played viola since I first began my musical studies at age 9. As a result, I have seen teachers hold viola students back, simply because they play the "lesser" instrument in the viola family. I do not hold my students back and I hold them all to the same high level of playing, regardless of which instrument they play.
Experience
Teaching Artist Assistant
Sep 2014 - PresentTeaching Artist resident at Cambridge Public Schools, assisting with school orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, and lessons.
Education
Master of Music - Viola Performance
Aug 2014 - PresentMusic Performance - Viola
Aug 2010 - Jun 2014Languages
English
Russian
Spanish
Awards
Best Performance of a Student Composition
Jun 2013Affiliations
American Viola Society
Dec 2014The American Viola Society is a nonprofit organization of viola enthusiasts, including students, performers, teachers, scholars, composers, makers, and friends, who seek to encourage excellence in performance, pedagogy, research, composition, and lutherie. United in our commitment to promote the viola and its related activities, the AVS fosters communication and friendship among violists of all skill levels, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds.
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5 Reviews
Write a ReviewCalvin was awesome. He let me sit in as my fiance took a lesson. It was a relaxed atmosphere and he was a great teacher.
Calvin is a great teacher. My first lesson was really good.
I've never had any experience with orchestral instruments before. After one lesson with Calvin, I'm learning to read music again. He showed me proper technique as well. I feel that I will be progressing quickly under Calvin's instruction. My first lesson flew by, and I learned so much in a very short amount of time. His attention to smaller details in technique are very helpful as well. I absolutely recommend Calvin as a viola instructor!
+ Read MoreCalvin is a great instructor and my daughter was smiling the entire time! He takes great care of making sure she is understanding what he is showing her and was flexible. He makes a great addition to our Unschooling homeschool and our family!
First Lesson was great. Calvin was very patient, knowledgeable and very accommodating. Looking forward to many more lessons