Viola with Drew V.

Music is an extraordinary language and a gift that enables us to be more complete human beings. It enables us to tell a story that transmits our thoughts, experiences, and feelings - all through the manipulation of sound and a deeper understanding of discovery, sincerity, and clarity. It is a process, but yields endless artistic growth. Mastering a musical instrument involves a balance of technique and expression: physical control and endurance versus individual creativity and fantasy. This process prepares one for performance, because as an art form, music centers on the interaction between the performer and the audience, but also prepares one for life. The skills learned in music lessons can be applied everyday. These skills include tenacity, improved work ethic, time-management, and organization skills. As a teacher I am determined to help students understand technique, musicality, music theory, and historical context, and above all: fun. Making music should be fun, rewarding, and accessible to students of all ages! I have been playing viola and violin for 16 years and studied with Dr. Veronica Salas at LIU Post, George Taylor at the Eastman School of Music, Peter Slowik of Oberlin, Heather Weeks-Wesnofske, and Michael Vannoni. I was the 2012 winner of the LIU Post Concerto Competition and a frequent fellowship artist at the LIU Post Summer Chamber Music Festival. Currently situated in the Brooklyn, willing to travel to all of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.