Viola Lessons in Seattle. Amazing Teachers.

Arie Schächter has been Assistant Principal Viola with the Seattle Symphony for over a decade. He has won several awards in international competitions, including Top Prize at the Markneukirchen International Viola Competition in 2001, and Third Prize at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition in 2000. He has a Master’s degree in music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of music, where he worked as a teaching assistant while pursuing his degree.

Mr. Schächter has performed in numerous music festivals throughout the United States, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Caramoor Music Festival and the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. He has collaborated with members of the renowned Cleveland String Quartet and the Tokyo String Quartet. Since joining the Seattle Symphony in 2004, Mr. Schächter has been performing in various chamber music series in Seattle, including Simple Measures, Music of Remembrance and the Seattle Symphony Chamber Series.

Welcome to my violin and viola studio! I believe that every student can enjoy the process of studying an instrument, and can learn to play with ease and joy. As a result, I work to determine each student's learning style, look for ways to encourage individual ownership of learning, and adapt my approach to help meet each student’s needs and goals. I teach both Suzuki and traditional lessons, and draw from a variety of musical styles and approaches to help students develop a broad range of skills that include a strong technical foundation, ear training, sight-reading, ensemble playing, and musical self-expression. Through this approach, I hope to help students develop a lifelong love for music that will serve them in all future endeavors, musical or otherwise.

I am a professional violinist and violist in the Boston area. I am a graduate of the New England Conservatory where I have studied with Miriam Fried, Donald Weilerstein, and Martha Katz. I have performed extensively throughout my life as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player on both the violin and viola in a variety of professional ensembles including substitute viola work with the Borromeo String Quartet. I draw from this performing background to teach my students of all ages and abilities.

I currently act as Adjunct Instructor of Violin and Viola at Merrimack College, where I serve as a primary instrumental teacher to enrolled students. I have also acted as the primary violin teacher for Main Street Music, LLC, in Waltham. Additionally, I run a private studio of 5-10 students as young as 6 and as old as 60. Of these, some never touched an instrument before our first lesson, and some are serious conservatory-bound musicians intending to make a career as a performer.

Enjoyment and engagement precede technical study— always!

Why are you drawn to this instrument, piece of music, or performance situation? We will study all of the things you’d expect: scales, exercises, études, and repertoire. But I like to think I add more value than the notes on the page. And learning to play an instrument is all about reflecting your joy of playing it to the world! Precision is necessary but first is passion. This is why we always begin with enjoyment and engagement.

I consider the whole person I am teaching. I like to approach playing any musical instrument with the whole mind and body. You’ll learn how to most naturally hold and play your instrument with as much ease as if you were simply walking down the street. Only with ease can we play these instruments for life!

Learn to refine your technique and play with a beautiful sound!

You will learn posture and note reading for the alto clef. You will be guided by me through method books and I will create supplemental materials to help you advance. You will play duets with me and develop playing skills. You will learn higher positions and learn to play in an orchestra to follow a conductor. You will learn how to articulate to make the viola stand out in an ensemble. I have been teaching viola for 5 years. My students win seats in school orchestras. I want to be your next instructor.