About
Hi students! I am a professional international musician from Ukraine. I began my studies in Ukraine and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Master in Music (Violin Performance) from Lviv National Music Academy. After working with International Symphony Orchestra INSO-Lviv for 5 years I decided to further my studies and moved to the US in 2013. I received an artist diploma from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville under a full-ride graduate assistanship. After discovering a chamber music program at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee I moved there and got my Master in Chamber Music Performance. After finishing my second master's degree, I worked for four local orchestras and taught violin at Brass Bell Music Store and Wauwatosa School of Music as well as having a private studio. I currently moved to El Paso and am very excited to be a part of music life here.
When it comes to teaching, I enjoy meeting and working with my students. I adjust my teaching method to the needs of students combining practical technique with fun music.
In my class, every student is unique. I create an individual program for each of my students while observing their progress from the first lesson.
I was taught by different pedagogues and am familiar with Russian, Czech, and Franco-Belgian schools which I use in my teaching. While being in the US I adopted the Shinichi Suzuki method and now using his books in my teaching practice.
Photos and videos
Reviews
Manuel R.
Heidi B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is an individual. When we meet for a first time, I discuss a lesson plan based on my observation. A lesson is divided for a warm up, short theory part, working on materials, introducing new ideas and summary. I always have my violin next to me to demonstrate and play together with my students. Student is expected to have their own instrument and bow, accessories such as shoulder rest ( or practicing pad), rosin and their music. I very often share some materials with my students in pdf format. Because any art needs practicing, I highly encourage my students to practice at least 30 minutes a day for a beginner, one hour for intermediate level and two hours for advanced students.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Bachelor in Musical Arts and a Master Degree in Solo Performance from Lviv National Music Academy named after Mykola Lysenko, Ukraine (2011 and 2012); Artist Diploma in Violin Performance from University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2014) and Master Degree in Chamber Music Performance from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (2018). I was working in Lviv International Symphony Orchestra (INSO-Lviv) before I moved to USA. In the US, I have been a graduate teaching assistant, first violin of graduate quartet and a principal of student symphony orchestra. After graduation I founded my private violin studio working for Brass Bell Music Studios and Wauwatosa School of Music as well as performing with Festival City Symphony, Kenosha Symphony, Racine Symphony and Southwestern Suburban Symphony orchestras.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge 20-30$ for 30 minutes, 30-40$ for 40 minutes and 40-50$ for 60 minutes of lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching doing my bachelor in Violin Performance in Lviv, Ukraine. Teaching young students made me very happy and I continued teaching through my master degree and after graduation. In the US I was teaching an undegrad students as a part of my assistantships at Univeristy of Knoxville, Tennessee and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. After receiving my second master degree in Chamber Music Performance, I founded my private violin studio as well as teaching for Brass Bell Music Studios and Wauwatosa School of Music.
What types of students have you worked with?
I taught students from 10 to 70 year old. I believe every student has a talent and is able to enjoy playing violin.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would suggest not to only check a good bio/training but to contact an actual teacher. Personal interaction meaning texting or phone call will give you a better understanding of the person and will make the process of choosing easier.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should think what they want from the teacher and lessons. If student wants to have fun and learn some pop tunes, I will know how to plan the lessons around their needs and also add basics to learning process. On the other hand, student who would like to learn classical violin and participare in competitions will have different curriculum and goals.