Hello! I am a professional violin/fiddle player and singer. I have recently relocated from NYC to Los Angeles for a little more sun and sand. I have been teaching private and group classes for over 25 years, since 1995. In New York I performed and taught music classes all over Manhattan and Brooklyn. I truly enjoy teaching and fulfilling the students needs and seeing them progress as a musician. You are the most important part of our classes. I worked for the NYC Department of Education and the Connecticut Department of Education as a substitute classroom and general music teacher (2015-2018). I have a background in students with special needs and special education. Se habla espanol. In 1999 I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship through an audition through the North American World Scholarship Program to attend Berklee College of Music. There I earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance (2003). I began my studies as a young child with the Suzuki Method (which focuses on learning by ear, substantial parental involvement, and only later reading music.) In high school I began studying jazz/blues improvisation, composition, and music theory. At Berklee College of Music I focused on jazz and all kinds of contemporary and traditional music. After graduating I was awarded a position at the Henry Mancini Institute (2003) in Los Angeles and was privileged to work with some of the biggest names in music including Diana Krall and Christian McBride. My favorite type of music to play these days is traditional Irish folk music, or "Irish trad". For the past few years I have immersed myself heavily in New York's traditional Irish music scene. I played regularly at several establishments in New York City alongside some of the city's finest Irish music players. A large part of my teaching style is that you are having FUN, you are enjoying what you are learning, no matter your skill level. Even if you are an absolute beginner, you can learn to play songs you like even if we only work on playing the chorus or the riff of the song. For example, one year I had a very happy 6-year old boy learn the theme to Star Wars and another college student learning the a hit single from pop band MGMT. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to use the TakeLessons.com 'ask a question' option and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Please note I am on Pacific time and I'm typically 'in the office' from about 12pm-5pm PST.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 1995
New York City Substitute Teacher Certification
Teaches ages 5+
Speaks Danish, French, Spanish,
Has background check
Mary-Elizabeth is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. 2 years ago I had little to no experience in any musical instrument, so when I decided to learn to play the violin with Mary it turned out to be a very fun and enjoyable experience. Mary is a caring, flexible, and relatable person, and it’s been a huge pleasure going on my musical journey with her.
My son has been taking violin lessons with Mary-Elizabeth for two years. She is very patient with him and makes each lesson fun. He has grown so much, both in skill and in confidence.
I really enjoy guitar lessons with Mary-Elizabeth. She is patient, fun, and knows how to communicate things to me as an adult learner without me feeling like I’m back in childhood music lessons. I find zoom classes easier than heading out after work and that Mary-Elizabeth can communicate everything effectively online. Would definitely recommend!