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.

I've been teaching Viola for 3 years, and my students have gone on to join school orchestras. Within the first few lessons, you'll be able to play "Twinkle Twinkle" and as time goes on you'll be able to play a Bach Minuet. I specialize in Classical music, typically use the Suzuki Method and the companion I Can Read Music books, and have the following tools available for your lessons: music stand and finger tapes. I love working with students of all ages, and I can't wait to meet you!
If you are in need of an instrument, we may use one of your purchased lessons to meet at a local instrument provider to test out instruments.

Every student is unique, so I will tailor the lessons to you and make it fun! I'm passing on to you the training I received from the very best master teachers of the violin. Stringed instruments are challenging, but I believe in enjoying making music at every level, while establishing a strong foundation in good technique. For learning fundamentals of music theory and ear training, we will play various rhythm and improvisational games. I have extensive background in European classical music, and I've also done quite a bit of improvisation, some fiddling, and electric violin and viola. Whether you want to be the next Joshua Bell or the next Lindsey Stirling, I can help you improve your playing. I will help you sing, dance and tell a story through your violin or viola.