Seattle, WA Viola Lessons

Lessons are fun. My philosophy is that students should have music in their lives and benefit from the lessons they take now for years to come. Learning to play a musical instrument will help students with math skills, study habits, and develop a skill that will last for a lifetime.

After 3 months students will understand the fundamentals of their string instrument, know how to care for their instrument, warm up properly, be able to read and play introductory passages. After 6 months the student will have learned basic music theory, how to read music, and have advanced through playing multiple songs.

Hello future viola students -- welcome!!

In addition to playing violin, I've also played viola in duets, trios, and string quartets, and is another beautiful instrument to learn.

My approach includes providing the student with a good foundation of both left and right hand technique using a combination of method books which reinforce note-reading and proper posture for the first year. We then start adding solo pieces from the Classical repertoire and supplement those with modern pieces from Pop, Latin, Jazz, or any other style the student would like to learn.

Students always get a well-rounded education with me on the string instruments I teach AND are prepared to play either alone, or in groups when the opportunity presents itself.

Happy Practicing!

Hi, I'm Benjamin! Thank you for viewing my profile page. I am a professional violinist and violist with a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in performance from the Manhattan School of Music. I am Suzuki Registered and State Certified in both New Jersey and New York to teach in public schools grades K- 12. I have over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore something new or an advanced player looking to prepare for an audition, I am happy to help!

I'm an experienced and dedicated musician, having played with Orchestras and Chamber groups throughout my state. My lessons are focused on relaxation, and am as laid back or strict as the student needs. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, shooting to be a church player or a pro, I have taught students for that and am the teacher for you.

Drawing from a wide array of performance and teaching experiences, I tailor unique lessons to Viola and Violin students of all kinds who are ready to take their playing to the next level. I hold all of my students to a high level of achievement, while integrating their personal goals into my lessons. Some of my students have described lessons with me as "whacky and fun." Students learn basic skills, advanced techniques, music theory, music history, among other subjects to help inform effective and enjoyable performances. What do you want to achieve? Let me know and let's work together to get there!

Experienced viola teacher with over 25 years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of viola playing skills and technique. I specialize in Traditional Classical string music, typically use Essential Elements 2000, Samuel Applebaum methods, Suzuki books, and traditional scales and etude books. I have the following tools available to use during lessons: metronome, tuner, rosin and my music library.

I have been teaching violin for six years. Though I am classically trained, my interest in music goes far beyond classical music. I am constantly listening to various genres of music and consider myself a forever learner, loving everything in music from Prokofiev to the Flaming Lips. It is my job to help guide my students through their musical journeys, whether that is helping them get into their regional orchestra or teaching them that one song they've always wanted to learn. I teach out of the Essential Elements or Suzuki Method books. Though my lessons are fun and relaxed I will always give my students that extra push when needed. My goal is to help each student reach their personal success and to instill a love for playing music.

Tools for lessons:

Music Stand
Rosin
Shoulder rest or sponge
Previous method books (if you are not a first time learner)
Metronome
Pencil

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.

Inspiration, fun approach to learning quickly: how to practice, specific assignments to get the most out of your practice time. Customized assignments to include the music you enjoy. Very advanced and thorough and in depth knowledge of the concepts of the most efficient technique on the instrument in both hands.