Lesson Details
Violin
- Levels Taught:
- Intermediate, Advanced
Instructions are based on custom curriculum for every student. The curriculum is based on student's desires and abilities and compiled from multiple sources.
Peter teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 10+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- June 1988
Classically trained, energetic, experienced and creative music teacher with a proven ability to get the very best out of pupils; experienced in identifying the appropriate resources necessary for a subject matter and ensuring that they are used efficiently and effectively. Most of my students read and play simple music after 2-3 classes of active instruction.
I also specialize in special needs students.
All my musical knowledge and expertise was attained in Eastern Europe with an extensive music pedagogy training. I play and teach piano, upright bass, bass guitar and a range of other instruments. Over the years I taught basic piano, the beginner violin, viola, cello and a variety of school instruments such as recorder and xylophone. I also teach advanced music theory, harmony and basics of composition and orchestral arranging required for music colleges. I especially find it rewarding working with beginners and the opportunity to show them the amazing world of listening, playing and making music.
The teaching begins with identifying student's musical needs, goals and tastes. Students are taught a stimulating, thorough, and graduated course of recital solos, theory, technical studies, and classic repertoire. For those wishing to pursue more of a classical approach to music, there are proven methods to accomplish that goal established by European master teachers and pedagogues. Also, I can teach the know-how of Jazz and Blues though gradual lessons that cover basic theory, scales and chords up to melody and harmony development.
*** Lesson Details ***
The learning process should be, for the most part, fun and based upon a strong relationship between the teacher and the student. Curriculum and lesson plans are based on student's abilities and aspirations with appropriate balance between theoretical and practical work. The lesson material is always carefully chosen, and when necessary, adapted to specific learning needs.
With a proper approach, everyone can learn to play music. Whether you want to pursue a music career, or just play for fun and enjoyment I can help you attain your goals. From basic piano and stringed instruments, to advanced theory, harmony, composition and improvisation to jazz, pop and rock.
Classes are not based on a single source or book. I provide other exercises in printed form for students to keep and take home.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Extensive e-library and ability to print any required material on the spot. Instant access to many on-line sheet music resources. Two high end digital keyboards, two violins, viola, cello, upright bass, bass guitar and amplifier, music stands, stereo equipment with a large CD collection of just any conceivable music style.. Assorted school instruments: recorder (soprano and tenor), xylophone. Various music charts and a large library of music resources and other books;
*** Travel Equipment ***
Full size and a school grade digital keyboards , bass guitar, amplifier, staff paper and other printed resources, violin, viola, spare parts, maintenance tools and equipment.
*** Specialties ***
Pop, Classical, Jazz, Ethnic and Modal music, Composition, Arranging, Harmony, Counterpoint, Advanced Music Theory
Experience
Music Teacher
Sep 2016 - PresentMusic teacher for Special Education students. General music, piano and stringed instruments
Music Teacher/Director
Jun 2013 - PresentOwner and operator of a private music school.
Music Teacher
Apr 2012 - Feb 2014General music, piano and vocal teacher from pre-K, to 8th grade. Duties included: teaching pupils basic music theory, principles of vocal and instrumental music; developing teaching materials and updating the assessment, recording and reporting systems to monitor a student's progress. Teaching a range of standard school instruments such as recorder, glockenspiel and other Orff Instruments using the combination of pre-existing curriculum and own materials.
Show MoreString Orchestra Teacher
Sep 2011 - Jun 2012Strings, piano and a General Music teacher, 5th through 8th grade. The job involved teaching pupils the basic principles of music, music theory and stringed instruments; developing teaching material for music classes; evaluating student's interest and aptitude to determine a suitable instrument for them; providing individual instrumental lessons. Assisting students with extra-curricular activities and updating the assessment, recording and reporting systems to monitor a student's progress; directing all string orchestra holiday on-campus performances; assisting chorus teacher with piano accompaniment and arrangements for mixed choir.
Show MoreEducation
Piano, Music Theory and Pedagogy (Music Education)
Sep 1980 - May 1985Music & Education
Sep 1979 - May 1985Languages
English
Russian
Serbian
Certifications
Piano tuning and restoration
May 19846 mo course on piano tuning and basic piano repairs
Awards
Certificate of Excellence
Apr 2012Affiliations
Music Teachers National Association
Apr 2009The MTNA was founded in 1876 with the goal of advancing the value of music study and music-making to society while supporting the careers and professionalism of teachers of music. With nearly 22,000 members in 50 states—and more than 500 local affiliates—the MTNA is the preeminent source for music teacher support, where members embody like-minded values and commitment to their students, colleagues and society as a whole, while reaping the rewards of collaboration, continuity and connection throughout the lifetime of their careers.
Show MorePhotos & Videos
25 Reviews
Write a ReviewPeter has exceeded my expectations, I look forward for my lesson every week. I honestly can say He is the best teacher I’ve ever had. I am a 44 yo violin beginner student who has had 5 teachers in the last 6 years, I didn’t learn much with them, this been said, with Peter in just 3 months I feel I have learned more than my other teachers. Peter is so, so patient and extremely professional. I am very pleased to have found such a wonderful teacher.
Show MorePeter is always on time, patient with beginners, and gives valuable guidance.
Peter has been teaching bass to our son for several years and our son has become quite proficient. It's a bonus that Peter is unfailingly upbeat, professional, and a pleasure to have around. He truly loves music and conveys his appreciation to his students - so much so that now my husband is taking cello lessons from Peter, too.
Show MorePeter got right down to business and it is clear he knows what he is doing. My son is 5 and Peter kept his attention for the full 30 minutes, which is really saying something. At the end of the first lesson, my son was introduced to and could repeat note names; could play a five-note scale; and was learning his right hand from his left. I myself went to Juilliard and Yale for music and am so pleased Peter will be teaching our child(ren).
Show MorePeter provides great instruction and has a fantastic rapport with his students!
Fun and informative - thanks!
Peter is amazing, with just a few classes she was able to play a tune. He is great with children and the parents as well. Very patient and dedicated! Definitely recommend.
Peter provides me with challenging material to practice that fits both my ability and my interest. Often the music he provides is material that he hand writes. He has a knack for pushing past where I'm comfortable without overwhelming me. I would recommend him to anyone.
Show MoreI really enjoyed my lessons with Peter, he was professional and kind as I took on a new adventure in learning cello and reading music as and adult. Skype was a wonderful option since I couldn't find any local instructors. There was a delay in sound at times so we would accidentally talk over eachother or I didn't know what was being asked to play, but we worked it out ans overall I would say it's worth it and would recommend Peter.
Show MoreI loved my first lesson. I left challenged and couldn't wait to tryout what I've learned.
Very good teacher, very patient and I had fun. I feel I got a lot out of our sessions and I plan on continuing.
Peter has been a great instructor. He really knows his theory, practical applications, and is easy to work with. I've been taking lessons with him for about a year, and my playing has really gone to the next level by taking lessons with Peter. I had taken lessons from various instructors for years and haven't made as much progress as I have with a year with Peter. Highly, Highly recommended.
Show MorePeter has been working with our son who has special needs for a few weeks. It has been challenging but he has exhibited much patience in working with him. It is also very nice to see the progress in our son.....We would definitely recommend Peter...
Peter was excellent with my 7 year old at our first session together. He clearly explained his teaching philosophy to me and he was very patient and encouraging with the student. My son loved his first lesson.
Peter is a really knowledgeable and a good instructor.
Very understanding teacher. My 13 year old thinks he is awesome. He said he's going to help my son learn to play Star Wars.
Was very impressed with Peter's methods, demeanor, patience with my 9 year-old daughter, who is a beginner at piano. She had some experience at reading music, and Peter was adept at recognizing this and 'pushing the envelope' a bit with her and she responded enthusiastically. She left every lesson with a smile on her face.
Show MorePeter is a great teacher I have been going to him for about a year and I have learned so much! Thank you Peter
It has been such a great joy to see my son learning so much from Peter. His previous teacher did nothing to teach or improve his skills that I honestly went in to our first class with low expectations. I am very pleased to say how wonderful it has been to see how much my son has learned from the very first day with Peter. I am very happy to have found him. I would definitely recommend him for any of the instruments class' he teaches.
Show MoreExcellent teacher
Peter is an excellent Piano teacher with a solid mastery of the instrument. As a beginner, it was an excellent introduction. He is increadibly patient and caters to you and not to a book.
Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Highly recommend as a piano teacher for a beginner 9-yr old!
Peter has been teaching my 9-yr old daughter for the past 4 months and I am highly impressed with his teaching and interpersonal abilities. My daughter took lessons with another teacher all last year but Peter has been able to get her to improve at a much quicker pace. He is very patient but also know how to push her along. Plus, all my interactions with him have been very professional and friendly. Peter is always on time for our in-home lesson. Highly recommend!
This is an exceptional Instructor...
I initially joined Take Lessons to provide Piano instruction to my youngest daughter, that did not work out too well. I had already paid in advance and so with the remaining balance I decided to provide My older daughter with Violin Instruction since she is playing for her school.
Peter came in and has improved my daughter's talent in such a short time that it's almost unexplainable. He connects, he's precise, and he's easy going. In no time my daughter could literally read music as per his instruction. He's done wonders.
I highly recommend Peter to anyone looking for the right instructor. Thanks.
More then just bass lessons!
I went in to lessons with Peter looking for some review on theory and notation reading but I received much more. When I asked for a lesson on a specific subject he addressed exactly what I was looking for, as well as a quick history of the topics that we discussed. The combination of playing the bass, learning music theory, and music history, made these lessons very unique and a lot of fun for me. I would recommend Peter to any musician who likes a well rounded approach to music.
Great teacher!
My daughter has been taking beginner violin lessons with Peter and she loves him. He is extremely patient, friendly and creative in how he approaches new learners. Very supportive and reinforcing. I highly recommend him.