I strive to help students focus on their love of music and to achieve their true potential while not merely honing in on mechanical skills. 

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I knew I wanted to be a violinist 48 years ago and have been a professional for 36 years. I studied violin at Mannes School of Music and attended The LaGuardia H.S. of Music and Art and Performing Arts before getting my Bachelors of Music at Indiana University and my Masters of Music from New England Conservatory. I've performed as soloist, concertmaster, first violinist in chamber music ensembles, and have recorded with numerous groups and orchestras for albums, filmscores, music videos, and just about every other medium. My writing and arrangements have also appeared in film and advertising, often  with myself as soloist.

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I also was a founding member of a World Music group based in Italy which had been the focus of a documentary called "L'Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio" and went on play worldwide, winning many prestigious awards such as the Donatello.

 

I've always loved teaching students the violin even while pursuing a very intensive performing career in the US, Europe, and in Asia. My approach to teaching has been tempered through decades of evolving as a performer, composer, and educator of hundreds of students from all seven continents. Much of what I incorporate in my particular method has come from what I've learned hands on and knowing exactly what works, thereby saving my students time and unnecessary anxiety. 

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 What do you enjoy about the work you do?

I love to inspire my students through sharing my own passion for music; I get excited when I see that process start to take shape in their life.

 

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I like to understand what the student's previous education and preparation has been, if any, and what their short and long-term goals are.

 

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I started studying the violin at age 5 and earned my Bachelors of Music from Indiana University and my Masters from New England Conservatory in Boston. After winning several concertmaster jobs in Italy I was chosen to participate in a specific course there for concermasters, while also having a violin studio of my own of 30 students.

I also have studied jazz, filmscoring and composition as well as having vast experience playing the electric violin.

 

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

I charge $50 for a 30 minute individual lesson and $35 per person for a 30 minute group lesson. Lessons can be scheduled for 30 minutes, 45 min, 60 min, etc. Discounts available in certain cases such as families, semester payments in advance, etc.

 

How did you get started teaching?

I was asked when I was 10 years old, by one of the moms of a younger child studying with my teacher, to tutor her son once a week. I discovered how good for me as a player that was, how much it reinforced my own playing at the time. Soon I was being approached by other mothers and I became accustomed to accompanying their kids as well for their recitals; this broadened my understanding of our repertoire even more.
While in college, amongst my other courses I also studied Music Pedagogy, where I had my second series of experiences teaching young people (just a few years younger than me). Once I finished all of my studies, I was fully confident in my own teaching abilities.

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What types of students have you worked with?

I've literally taught students practically ranging from ages 0-99. My most common age groups tend to be in the 11-25 year old range, but there have been so many exceptions to that. I've also worked with students who have physical or learning challenges to face. 

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Describe a recent event you are fond of.

Today, the mother of a former student thanked me in the pics of her older daughter graduating High School on Facebook. Her daughter won the music award of the entire graduating class because of her accomplishments both as a violinist and as a composer (she would also compose works for her ensemble!). She thanked me "for nurturing her love for music". I couldn't be more proud.

 

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

I would encourage them to be thorough in checking credentials, experience, and what methodology the teacher adopts. Most of all, I would try and understand if they are excited about teaching music!

 

What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?

A student should first be willing to be honest with themselves about what they aspire to achieve and how much energy they are willing to invest in accomplishing that. After that, I think they should write doen their top 3 questions, briefly and concisely.