Offers online services
About
In my teaching, I emphasize efficient, goal-oriented practice, and provide a strong technical foundation while always keeping musicality and expression in mind. I encourage my students to develop problem-solving skills that will ultimately allow them to create their own interpretations about a piece of music. I believe that each student has a different learning style and, with this knowledge, I design a program of study specifically for them.
Learning music is all about tackling technical or musical problems in many different ways until we find an approach that works for you. As multi-instrumentalist who also writes music, I can offer many different perspectives on a single issue and draw from a wide range of knowledge that serves me in my daily creative pursuits.
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Student who has an instrument, Student who is planning to purchase an instrument and would like advice
Years experience
No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience
Able to read music
Student can read music, Student cannot read music
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Student's age
5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old
Instrument interested in
Violin
Photos and videos
Reviews
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JC
jamie C.
I always enjoyed my lessons with Michael as my piano teacher. He was incredibly patience with me as an adult student
learning an instrument for the first time. He focused on technique as well as making time to learn some fun songs. He would help explain complicated music theory, and gave me helpful tricks & habits when reading music. Overall, I was very happy with my time as his student, and am grateful he helped me pursue a new hobby.
June 30, 2023
JC
jamie C.
I always enjoyed my lessons with Michael as my piano teacher. He was incredible patience with me as an adult student learning an instrument for the first time. He focused on technique as well as making time to learn some fun songs. He would help explain complicated music theory, and gave me helpful tricks & habits when reading music. Overall, I was very happy with my time as his student, and am grateful he helped me pursue a new hobby.
June 21, 2023
JP
jonathan P.
Michael and I started from scratch but made quick progress thanks to his patience, helpful cues, and expertise in helping me learn the violin.
Michael has a sharp ear and offers gentle corrections, and works tirelessly to help me advance my skills with each lesson, even if we only have 30 minutes together.
What sets Michael apart from other music teachers is his humility and patience. Hes clearly an expert musician but is 100% genuine, meets you where you are in your musical journey, and only ever offered positive encouragement to help me improve.
June 20, 2023
WQ
weilun Q.
Michael is very patient and worked with me during the pandemic. He always arrived on time and was well prepared for the lessons. The materials he chose were also at the appropriate level. Overall, I had a very good experience working with Michael!
June 19, 2023
BP
Ben P.
Having met Michael through a mutual friend, I started lessons with him earlier this year. As a composer, I had recently purchased a violin to become a better orchestrator and thought I might progress quicker if I took lessons. These lessons soon turned into orchestration lessons where we went through my parts, and Michael told me what I could do to make my string writing better. Overall, he is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
November 28, 2020
TG
Tom G.
Michael has been instructing my 2nd grade son in violin for the past year. Thomas has seen great improvements in his violin ability and Michael is a patient teacher able to work with children. Michaels gentle instruction will push your childs abilities and improve their musicianship. Each lesson usually introduces new challenges to master, or improvement on previously learned skills and music compositions. I highly recommend Michael if your child is interested in learning violin.
November 26, 2020
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to know about their musical background and what they want to learn during lessons so I can best serve their needs. I want lessons to be as personal and tailored as possible. I always focus on a solid technical foundation using scales and exercises, then assign pieces that help the student apply those basic principles.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors degree in violin performance and a Masters in music composition. Besides that, I began studying violin when I was 7 years old (20+ years)!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 Minutes: $35
45 Minutes: $52
60 Minutes: $70
How did you get started teaching?
My first significant teaching experience began when I got a job at Music & Arts teaching a studio of violin and piano students in Pennsylvania.
What types of students have you worked with?
Everyone from ages 6 to adult.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would encourage students to look for recordings of the teacher's playing to see if their playing style resonates with them.
If the teacher has samples of their teaching, such as a video tutorial, take a look at this as well to get an idea of how they teach.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Are there specific pieces/songs that you want to learn?
What are the points in your playing that you want to improve on the most?
Services offered
Violin