Arlington, VA Fiddle Lessons

. I can help you understand what is going on behind the music and hopefully see what the composer was hoping to convey, if that is something you want to know. When I was a student I always wanted to know "why?". As a teacher, you will know why if I do.

*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep my lesson area as stress free as possible. It's OK to make mistakes in my studio. I would like you to bring a notebook to lessons as well as your music and instrument. I write as much as I can down because if you were like I was during lessons, I would forget everything I was supposed to be watching for after 3 days. Like I said above, we move at your pace. The more you practice, the faster we move. Questions are a good thing. It shows interest. But sometimes you just have to stop asking questions and just take the leap of faith.
We start with note reading as well as proper form and the parts of the instrument. We also deal with general care. I will tune your instrument every time you come in for lessons until you learn how to tune it yourself. We will review the day before, I will check on what work you've done and then move onto the next song/ technique etc. After we learn how to pluck the first 8 notes, we start with scales and bowing.

After that we move through the "usual" routine. Scale, etude, song(s) or school test songs, audition requirements etc.

I try to keep the same routine because for some students it's easier for them to focus if they know the lesson is going to move in a familiar way. It's reassuring. After we become proficient in the basics, we move into whatever genre you would like to play, within reason. If you are in the school orchestra we will work towards you getting an A.

I would say I'm more laid back when you are not preparing for an audition. Auditions require a lot of work and I want you to do as close to perfect as possible. I become fairly demanding during that time.

In about 6 months, you can play almost any tune you can hear on the radio. Explaining where you could be gets fairly technical and I might as well be talking like Charlie Brown's teacher.

*** Studio Equipment ***
at the away studio: music, music stand, stool, piano, laptop, tuner, metronome.

at home: music, music stands, chairs, computer, laptop, keyboard, microphone, tuner, metronome.

pictures of the away studio are posted.

*** Specialties ***
I am familiar with Paul Rolland's work, Valerie Bobbett Gardner's Violin Virtuosity, as well as Guillespie's. I was brought up Suzuki but haven't been trained in Suzuki. I have taken classes on how to teach to a variety of students so I could hold a teaching license in the state. I do participate with (Canadian) The Royal Conservatory of Music Music Development. This is active in the US also.

Special note: If you are allergic to cats, you will want to take lessons at my other studio location, not at the home.

IF you are contacting me with questions, please include either take lessons or lessons in the subject area so I can find you faster. I get a lot of junk mail and it is easy for me to miss a note from you.

students' growth and abilities, and to provide an opportunity to give back to family and friends whose sacrifices and support enable the students to succeed.

I teach because I love music and I believe God has given me a gift. Playing and teaching help me to use my talent for His glory. I love working with people and I love how music enables people of all ages to open up and express themselves in a positive way, no matter what life throws their way. I believe music teaches discipline, builds self esteem; helps set and achieve goals; and positively affects and enhances other curricular endeavors.

My teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning, to set attainable goals for the student, to learn through encouragement and discipline, and to help students come to love music on a personal level. I focus on the character of each student and their goals and desires to see that the student and/or parents are satisfied. Teaching is a privilege for me that I do not take for granted.

*** Lesson Details ***
I offer half hour, forty-five minute, sixty minute lessons, or longer on a weekly basis, but I do Not offer bi-weekly lessons. My lessons begin with the fundamentals of music. I believe a firm foundation in rhythm and reading is important because a student may switch musical instruments one day and the basics are universal and necessary. I have a deep love and appreciation for music which I hope to instill in my students as well. I am strict in the sense that I like students to polish their pieces before moving on. I like to keep them focused on playing well, not just playing.

A typical lesson will begin with scales to warm up, a review of the previous week's material, and a new assignment. Students will memorize pieces, be proficient in scales and rhythms, and all the while laughing and having a great time. I am known with my students for my creative analogies and flexibility to try new things in order to adapt to the students strengths and weaknesses. My students look forward to coming to their lesson, and that is very rewarding as a teacher.

I primarily use the Suzuki method for Violin and Viola, because it offers progressive steps to mastering technique, style, and musicality. My curriculum includes the use of Winning Rhythms, Wohlfahrt studies, All for Strings Theory, Essentials for Strings, and many more beginner and advanced studies; including shifting and double stops.

I love music and I love working with people; teaching is just icing on the cake. I look forward to helping you achieve your goals and discover your talents and I hope we can learn together. I look forward to meeting you!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music Stand and Keyboard

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their instrument, and necessary accessories ie: rosin, shoulder rest, strings, books, and music stand.

*** Specialties ***
I teach Music on Violin, Viola, and Piano, as well as beginner cello. I am very creative in my teaching methods, though I use the Suzuki Method primarily for string instruments. I believe learning should be fun. I teach all the fundamentals of music from the beginning: counting rhythm, scales, reading music, theory.

mentals. They will discover the joy of music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home- small house with music stand, well lit, piano, seating for parents  

*** Specialties ***
Violin
Viola
Traditional
Suzuki
Classical
Fiddling

a unique and extremely well rounded musician. Currently Armen resides in Los Angeles, CA where he is active with various orchestras, including the LA Opera.

He also routinely performs for sound track recordings with the major motion picture companies. In addition, Armen has worked with many well-known artists including Ray Charles, Barry White, Yanni, Sarah Brightman, Natalie Cole, Andrea Bocelli and many others. Here is a list of artists Armen M. has performed with: Yanni, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Frank Sinatra Jr., Andrea Bocelli, Olga Tañon, Jose-Jose, Lucero, Cristian Castro, Alanis Morissette and Marco Antonio Solis.

We are on!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very strict and laid back at the same time. I pay a lot of attention to the technical detailes

.The curriculum is based on the level the student is presently. It reneges from simple scale books to Paganini caprices.

I encourage every student to have at list two recitals a year. Lessons are very intense and productive and i welcome you to my studio.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1) Music room w/ piano and seating for parents

2) Office room w/ seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
violin and music

*** Specialties ***
European/Russian violin school

ers, and a basic fix-it kit for common instrument issues. I also try to keep backup books and a shoulder rest around at my studios so if someone forgets their equipment we can still make good use of the lesson.

I expect the student to provide their instrument, shoulder rest/end pin stopper, notebook, device for recording music, folder/binder for loose papers, and books. I don't require lots of books - just ones you'll use!

*** Travel Equipment ***
See Studio Equipment, above.

*** Specialties ***
I love teaching oldtime, bluegrass, country and celtic fiddle - most of what I do as a performer fits in along those lines. I teach Suzuki method violin as well. My Suzuki teacher learned directly from Shinichi Suzuki!

I encourage all my students to improvise, to try different musical styles, and to experiment with composition. My goals are to share my own love for music, and enable students to discover their unique musical voice.

e instructed by a quality teacher. It's worth a try, isn't it?

Please note: I only accept weekly lesson students. Also, due to my performances, I'm not always able to this calendar up to date....so when you request a lesson time, allow me to communicate with you, if we need to adjust it a bit. It almost always works out if you don't mind doing that.

*** Lesson Details ***
All the students on my Student YouTube channel who have studied under three years, are practicing 2 hours a week, and you will have a similar result. That's 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Students under 5 practice about 10-15 minutes a day.

Please have an assignment book that lies flat, and keep it next to your music books as you practice between lessons. My instructions are very detailed to insure your best progress.

*** Studio Equipment ***
For on-line lessons, you will need a quiet place, and please test your sound and video prior to beginning of lesson. For students under 13 or so, do have a parent or caregiver taking notes while we work together.

*** Specialties ***
I have much experience with various learning styles, and in fact, am featured in a documentary made of one of my autistic students.

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My approach to Scottish traditional music is holistic; I feel it's important to experience how song feeds into instrumental music, and how the instrumental traditions interact with one another, and impart that broader view to my students. My focus is mostly on the folk traditions, though for bagpipe students, I teach the current and formal pipe band technique and repertoire as a foundation.

I have twice qualified for the US National Scottish Fiddling Championship, and was 4th place overall in Grade 4 Senior out of almost 850 pipers in 2006, and have been taking an extended hiatus from competition.

. I continued through high school and into college, playing and singing with auditioned district ensembles, school musicals, and chamber choirs, coming in as runner up in my high school's concerto competition, and performing twice in Carnegie Hall. I studied opera, vocal pedagogy, and passed my piano proficiency exam from the advanced class.

In 2003, I earned my violin performance degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and soon after, joined the Kansas City-based Celtic folk group, Tullamore. I have enjoyed 13 seasons with this lauded regional group, playing countless esteemed Celtic festivals across the country and embarking on five international tours of Ireland and Scotland, as well as a Caribbean cruise hosted for our fans. Our sixth international tour is scheduled for 2019 in Scotland.

In 2014, I relocated to Hampton, Virginia, where I auditioned for the Hampton Roads Philharmonic, and currently play as a first violinist.

In 2015, I began playing with Brackish Water Jamboree, an award-winning Americana band, featured on NPR's Out of the Box series with Paul Shugrue, and host of the NorFOLK Festival.

Throughout this time, I have enjoyed teaching a full and enriching music studio of students: hosting recitals, open mics, and ensemble rehearsals, and watching students achieve goals they didn't know were even possible. I continue to teach online via Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts, and I look forward to working with you to accomplish your own musical aspirations!

Mice is also popular on the festival circuit on the Emerald Coast.

I relocated to Atlanta in November of 2013, and currently perform weddings, and at various restaurants and events in the Atlanta area.

I have taught individuals and group lessons on violin, bass, and guitar since 1997 and for several consecutive years at Playground Music in Fort Walton Beach.

I have several videos available on YouTube, and a website which is easily located through a simple Google search.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you fulfill your musical goals and ambitions. Happy Playing - Cheers! dp