Violin with Ray R.

Hello! My name is Ray, I'm 31 years old, and was born in Queens, NY. I studied classical music for many years as a youngster at the Aaron Copeland School of Music college preparatory program. During this program I was introduced to Jazz, and around the same time began experimenting with synthesizers. I went on to study Electronic Production & Design at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and quickly became a very sought after studio musician and performer. I've been successfully teaching many instruments and proficiency levels for approximately 16 years now, and can say with pride that teaching is my passion, and I anticipate it remaining a very important part of my life. I enjoy reading nonfiction books on science, math, and philosophy. *** Lesson Details *** My music lessons are unique for three main reasons: 1. I have a very deep understanding of music, sound, and theory, and feel music to be one of my native languages. 2. I have devoted considerable amounts of time and energy studying neuroscience, which has greatly improved my understanding of the learning process. 3. I have been blessed with the tremendous amount of patience necessary to guide a student through the necessary steps it takes to learn at whatever pace is optimal, in order to maximize the efficiency of the learning process for each individual. *** Equipment *** Students must have their own instrument, and purchase their own materials (books, etc). From time to time I make my way to a local music shop, and am happy to purchase materials for reimbursement. *** Specialties *** Classical music is my background, and what I believe to be the most cognitively and emotionally fulfilling style of music to listen to, study, and play. That said, I'm also a big fan of pop music (as well as other genres), and encourage students to enjoy, for example, learning their favorite songs from the radio. My understanding of music theory is extremely thorough, and I'm happy to incorporate as much or as little of it as the student's interest dictates, nevertheless maintaining the minimal amount of theory necessary to get the most out of learning music and the instrument. Thanks for checking out my profile! Please contact me with any additional questions you may have, as well as to inquire about day/time availability. I'll do my best to get back to you right away (usually within a few hours).