Sylvia Foldes-Berman Violin And Music Lessons
About
Sylvia is a passionate violinist who is currently in her senior year at Molloy College, pursuing a career in Music Therapy. Classically trained in violin and voice, Sylvia is also a freelance electric violinist in NYC with Hank Lane Music and Productions. With her love for music and helping others, Sylvia has had numerous performance and teaching opportunities, including working with the Children's Orchestra Society, NY Musician's Center, New World Music Center, The Music Shop as well as travelling to various venues and concert halls. She has been teaching private violin, viola and voice lessons for four years and also teaches beginner guitar and piano.
Sylvia's ideology revolves around the needs of each student, focusing on developing essential practicing techniques, proper form and most importantly, expressing one's self through their music. Through support, understanding and encouragemnt, Sylvia's students will excel to be the musician they dream to become.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When I first take on a new student, I will assess the level of musicianship, technique and theory of where they are and mold each lesson based on their needs. Some examples may include developing proper form, intonation and reading music which we will work on together .
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently in my senior year attending Molloy College in Rockville Centre, NY, studying Music Therapy with my concentration in violin and voice. I have worked at many music schools as a substitute and part-time teacher as well as have taught private lessons for the past four years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing for lessons may be flexible, however, as I would be travelling to the student, the standard price would be $30 for a half an hour lesson, $45 for a forty-five minute lesson, $60 for an hour lesson and so on.
How did you get started teaching?
I began playing the violin at the age of 5 and I stayed with my teacher for almost 12 years. Her vigor, passion and love for teaching and spreading her joy for music molded me into who I am today as not only a musician, but as a teacher and human being. I began volunteering at the Music Shop with the Suzuki Violin Class she taught which commenced by teaching journey. Ever since then, I have always been teaching whether it is through private instruction or through a music school.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students eager to learn violin, viola, voice, guitar and piano with children of all ages ranging from 4-18 as well as some adult students. The level of musicality of my current and previous students varies between beginner to intermediate.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite experiences teaching music was when I organized my first studio recital at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library with my students. It was a great opportunity for them to perform what the pieces they were working on as well as develop performing and stage skills that they can use in their future musical endeavors.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The student-teacher relationship is the underlying element in learning a new skill, in particular music. Being such an intimate aspect of life, music can be considered an extension of our emotions and expressions. With that said, I truly believe that the student must feel comfortable, safe and supported by the teacher at all times. Learning music and an instrument can be difficult, but with the right guidance and training, the teacher can help the student strive for excellence.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
One of the most important aspects of learning an instrument is to continue practicing at home and reiterating what was demonstrated and learned in the lesson. Before taking on such a journey to learn an instrument, it is important to think about the time committment as well as level of effort put into developing and practicing all the skills and techniques addressed at each lesson at home, outside of the lesson on a daily basis.