
About
Concetta Abbate is a violinist, violist, vocalist and composer in New York City. Concetta began studying classical violin and ear training at age 4, with Irene Lawton as her primary teacher. She later continued her classical studies with Jody Gatwood (Catholic University), Tanya Kalmanovitch (New England Conservatory) and Emily Ondracek (Columbia University). After a childhood dedicated to classical training, Concetta became interested in delving further into her interest in folk music, pop, and jazz. She writes original art songs inspired by natural science, folk tales, poetry in Spanish, and everyday objects and sounds. She released her first solo album entitled Falling in Time in February 2015 on Waterbug Records. Described as a "badass violinist" by Garret Bryant (HINGED), she has performed in diverse venues such as The East Indian Music Academy, the Rubin Art Museum, The Eastman School of Music, The Tilles Center, Cornelia Street Cafe, Columbia University, the Jazz Gallery and The Stone. She was a visiting composer in residence at TAKT gallery in Berlin both in 2014 and 2016. Concetta is most known for her work with poet Cornelius Eady (Kattywompus Press), guitarist Charlie Rauh (Brain Plan Records) and Latin music band Inti and the Moon (Intiluna Records). Other collaborators include Daniel Carter, Arch Contemporary Ballet, Roger Street Friedman, Skip Laplante and Flor de Toloache. Concetta is the musical director of a music education non-profit called "Teacup Music". She holds a masters degree in Music and Music education at Columbia University and has received grants from the Charles Mayer Foundation as well as The Roothbert Fund.
Highlights
Reviews
Zoe
Suri S.
Winston T.
Lindsey S.
Kay C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to learn about that student's previous background with music. I usually have them play their favorite piece for me, or if they are a very beginner, I ask them about their favorite music to listen to.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
MA Teacher's College at Columbia University in Music Education
Founder of Teacup Music School in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Over 10 years teaching experience
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I generally charge $75 for one hour, $40 for half an hour and an additional $20 if the lesson involves traveling to a student's home.
How did you get started teaching?
My mother was a music teacher as a child. I grew up around music and music lessons. I love opening up my students a new way to access the world through music and art because that was such a magical experience for me.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have had students ranging in age from pre-school to retired adults. I have worked with students with disabilities. Some of my students are experienced but many are beginners.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Seeing Itzhak Pearlman perform at the Staller Center. I was able to sit very close to the stage.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think about how you learn best and see if a teacher can accomodate that learning style. Some people need very little direction while others need to feel supported. Some students enjoy talking in lessons others just want to play etc.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about your schedule, be realistic with how much time you have to practice. Be up front about your goals. What do you hope to get out of lessons? Through this conversation teachers may even introduce you to benefits from lessons that you hadn't thought of!