Elektra Kurtis' Violin/viola Lessons
About
Over twenty years of teaching violin to students ages 3 to adult both privately and in school programs, specializing in early childhood education and in the Suzuki violin teaching method. Duties have included individual as well as group lessons, using elements of Suzuki and Standard methods. Over twenty years of performing experience with professional orchestras: opera, symphony, chamber music, improvised and ethnic music ensembles, Television and Radio.
My teaching goals very closely parallel my personal musical aspirations:
1. Helping my students realize their fullest potential and getting an early start in learning.
2.Understanding of self through instrumental study and performance.
3. Development of discipline and of mind and body coordination.
4. See and seek new horizons and objectives through music.
Teaching Experience:
2003 to present: PS 153, NYC, Violin instruction to small groups from Pre-K through 2nd Grade
1994 to present: Hoff-Barthelson School of Music, Scarsdale, NY Suzuki and standard method, ages 3-17.
1992 - Present: Harlem School of the Arts. Suzuki and standard method, ages 3 – 16
2002 – 2010: Maggie Alston Day Care. Music therapy through violin instruction to small groups of Pre-K children ages 3 through 5, including autistic and special needs students.
1989 – 1997 Diller-Quale School of Music. Suzuki method, ages 3-14.
1988 – 1989 Turtle Bay School of Music. Violin instruction for ages 3 to adult, using the Suzuki method for the youngest beginners.
1987 – Present Mind Builders Creative Art Center. Developed a violin training program for ages 3 - 17 using the Suzuki method combined with the standard.
1985 – 1986 Helsinki, Finland. "Kantele" School of Music. Suzuki method, ages 4 -7.
1984 – 1986 Helsinki, Finland. Pelimann's Elementary School. Program sponsored by Helsinki Cultural Department. Teaching children from a music talent class, ages 9 and 10. Semi-private lessons. The semester completed with a show of solo and group performances.
1984 – 1986 Helsinki, Finland. Elementary School of Vuosaari. Teaching private and semiprivate lessons to children from talent music classes, ages 7 - 12. The semiprivate lessons have served to stimulate and motivate my students to play the violin and practice at home. I used the book of Ms. Usma "Iloinen Viuluniekka" for the beginners and with more advanced students standard books etudes and small pieces for two or three violins or violin and piano.
1980 – 1982 Steiner School of Helsinki, Finland. Private lessons for advanced students ages 11 and 12 Continuing the school's policy of cultivating each student's personality through the arts.
Performance Experience:
1987 - Present
Freelanced with several symphony orchestras in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
1989 - 1987
Several jazz and modern music festivals (as leader of the ensemble). Several ethnic-music concerts (as side musician).
1985 - 1986
Helsinki, Finland. Kapyla Chamber Orchestra. Concertmistress. The orchestra specialized in contemporary music repertory, under the direction of Luis Ramirez.
1981 - 1982
Played with Kirkkonummi Chamber Orchestra.
1979 - 1983
Sibelius Academy of Music. Helsinki, Finland. Played with the symphony orchestra.
1978 - 1979
Warsaw, Poland. Opera Theatre Orchestra full-time position.
Highlights of Television PerformanceExperience:
1986 Helsinki TV. Recorded music to this channel's music programs.
1980 – 1985 Performed in music programs on channel Helsinki MTV.
1985 Played with Sibelius Academy String Ensemble on channel Helsinki TV1.
Educational Background:
May 1992 New York, NY. Completed the Diller-Quale pedagogy course.
May 1989 New York, NY. Graduated from the School for Strings Suzuki Teacher Training and Certification Program. Teacher: Louise Behrend.
May 1986 Helsinki, Finland. Bachelor of Music degree from Sibelius Academy of Music. Degree in performance and education. Instrument: violin. Teachers: Yoshiko Arai, Jouko Ignatius.
April 1986
Kerava, Finland. Suzuki European Workshop with Dr. Sinichi Suzuki.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Every student is different and has different experience and expectations so I first talk to the parent (or student, if adult or teenager). This will let me know what will be the method to best proceed with.
The basic technique is the subject of the first lessons. This includes the bow hold, instrument hold, and instrument care.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a degree in music pedagogy from the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland and a certification in Suzuki Method from the School for Strings in NYC. The latter I especially recommend for my youngest beginners ages 2.5 through 6.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes I do have a sliding pricing system to be disclosed upon request
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching when I was a student in Helsinki but when my own son was 2 years old I was practicing with him following the Suzuki method.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with a wide variety of students. In a one- to- one private lesson and in a group situation. I worked at my private studio, public school, pre-schools, music schools, at the student's residence.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My youngest student, a 2-year-old girl focused so well in her lesson that we had to extend her lesson time. She is very proud of her violin skills and she gets rewards after each session.
My 10-year-old boy student has requested lessons during summer break.
My 35+-year-old adult viola student is requesting lessons during summer break.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Start small; sign up for a series of 4 lessons and see how you like it.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I have time to set aside to practice?
What kind of music would I enjoy playing?