Viola Lessons in Stanwood. Amazing Teachers.

Learn to play folk music or classical. Explore this deep and beautiful instrument!

Violist Paul Laraia is an established professional concert violist of the highest order in solo, chamber music, and orchestral performance. First prize winner of the most recent Tertis International Viola Competition, Paul has performed concertos with the major Symphony Orchestras of Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New Haven, New Jersey, Nashville, and Bogotá, as well as recitals in London at the Wigmore Hall, and at the 40th International Viola Congress held at Eastman School of Music.

Paul's chamber music life includes over 7 years with the Grammy Award winning Catalyst Quartet, as well as guest appearances around the globe in the major venues of Europe, South Korea, Hong Kong, Moscow, Macau, and New York's own Carnegie Hall.

Paul also enjoys performing with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra as guest musician, from time to time.

Paul is dedicated to passing on the knowledge and skill he has inherited and developed to the younger generations. Interested students should be serious in ...

I am a certified Suzuki Method teacher, currently trained in levels 1-3, with plans for further certification training.

I am fun and supportive. I'm having just as much fun teaching as I want my students to have learning, and creating a patient, supportive environment is integral to my students' development.

I teach all ages and abilities. I am experienced in a variety of teaching levels, from beginning to advanced studies.

Each student has lessons structured according to their individual goals, learning speeds, and musical levels. I teach students of all levels positive playing habits and how to avoid bad habits, and I teach these using the standard classical repertoire for violin and viola.

I emphasize technique and the fundamentals of theory, with students of all levels so they will have the essential building blocks and tools they need to succeed.

I am professional. I have received some of the best education in my field, and with over 20 years of experience in music

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!

Are wondering why every time you hit a certain note, it squeaks, or crunches, or sounds glassy? Or maybe you can't quite read the notes. Perhaps you are no stranger to the instrument, but need improvement of musicianship, expression, etc. Let me help you master the skills you're trying to achieve. With my help, you can make breathtaking music!

Ariel Patkin is an enthusiastic teacher and performer who enjoys sharing her lifelong love of music with others. Beginning as a Suzuki violin student at age three, she later discovered the charm of the viola and went on to perform on both instruments throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy. Before graduating from high school, Ms. Patkin had already performed as a soloist with two orchestras, and attended several highly regarded summer music festivals, including the Boston University Tanglewood Institute.

During her time in The Civic Orchestra of Chicago, she had the great privilege of collaborating with, and learning from world-class musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and the musicians of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Based in Chicago, Ariel plays with several regional orchestras. In addition to her love of orchestral playing, Ms. Patkin is passionate about chamber music, and especially enjoys performing with quartets and in baroque ensembles. She has also performed and ...