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"When our daughter first started lessons she was shy and uncertain, but under Ms. Melanie’s warm guidance she has grown into a confident, passionate young musician. Ms. Melanie has an incredible gift for connecting with students and inspiring them to see the beauty in music. Her patience, encouragement, and enthusiasm made every lesson something our daughter looks forward to. She not only taught her the fundamentals of technique, but also helped her develop a genuine appreciation for the art of music-making. She practices with joy, performs with pride, and dreams of continuing her musical journey for years to come. We are endlessly grateful for the impact she has had—we can’t recommend Ms. Melanie highly enough. She’s a remarkable teacher and a true inspiration!"   

              - Sue, Mother of a 12 year old. 

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Headshot of female violinist of color, with her violin

The process of learning an instrument can empower and uplift children, no matter who they are or where they come from. As a teacher, my goal is to instill a life-long appreciation of music in each of my students whatever their age, skill level, or musical goals. Some of my students aspire to become professional musicians; many do not.  Through their commitment to learning their instrument, I believe every student I teach can become more thoughtful, creative, and confident; qualities that will serve them well no matter where their lives take them. 

For the last 15 years, I have dedicated my professional life to refining my approach to teaching children music. The one constant I ask of each student and family that joins my studio is that they bring to their study the same level of dedication that I bring to teaching them. Whether they are 5-year-olds learning Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, or high school students working on the Mendelssohn concerto, I expect them to do the daily practice that is needed to play the instrument with confidence and ease.

Private Lesson Studio

I use a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional methods informed by pedagogy legends Joseph Gingold, Mimi Zweig, and Paul Rolland in order to connect with my students at each lesson. My teaching is also highly influenced by my own incredible teachers; Jennifer Frautschi, Phil Setzer, Carol Cole, Kirsten Yon, and Jonathan Crow. I bring their generosity, open-mindedness, kindness, and vigor into my own teaching every day.

 

What To Expect:

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  • Weekly violin or viola lessons throughout the school year (Lessons during the summer are optional)

  • Text/Email support between lessons

  • An individualized learning plan, parent-teacher conference, and progress report

  • Recital opportunities

  • Group class opportunities

  • Parent education and support

  • Competition, audition, and performance preparation and guidance

  • I require one parent to attend all lessons for beginner and intermediate students

Violin student placing their fingers on fingerboard tapes. A teacher adjusts the student's hand position.

Guiding students during their formative years through the excitement of trying new things, the frustration of disappointment, the thrill of overcoming a challenge, and ultimately, discovering who they are and what they are capable of, is simply one of the most gratifying things I am lucky enough to do for work every day.  I'd love to have a conversation with you about violin or viola lessons for your child!

Studio Location: White Plains, NY (Near Saxon Woods Park)

Education and Certifications:

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  • Doctor of Musical Arts; Stony Brook University

  • Master of Music, Violin Performance; McGill University

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Violin Performance; Carnegie Mellon University

  • Suzuki Teacher Training: Violin/Viola Books 1 - 3

  • Teacher Training Course; Jacobs Academy at Indiana University

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Teaching Experience​​

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  • Currently on faculty at Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and the Westchester Conservatory of Music

  • Adjunct Professor of Violin; Florida Atlantic University, 2019-2021

  • Previously on faculty at the Third Street Music School Settlement and the Palm Beach Suzuki School of Music

  • Previously on faculty for the Houston Youth Symphony Coda Program, Sistemang Pilipino (Cebu City, Philippines), and The Miami Music Project, all "El Sistema" inspired outreach programs

Student Accomplishments:

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  • Acceptance to the Juilliard pre-college

  • Acceptance to Dreyfoos School for the Arts (West Palm Beach)

  • Acceptance to the Eastern Music Festival

  • Acceptance to the Luzern Music Center

  • Acceptance to the Texas All-State Orchestra ​

  • Principal and assistant principal chairs in the LISFA orchestra (Long Island)

  • Consistent perfect and near perfect scoring at NYSSMA, levels 1-6

"My daughters have been taking private lessons with Ms. Melanie for about two years now. She has transformed the way that they play! She has tailored her curriculum to fit their personal needs. This includes listening exercises, sight reading, advanced bow techniques, etc. However, the most important thing that she has taught my children is not how to play the violin, but how to express themselves. Thank you Ms. Melanie!"

        - Brandy (Parent of 9, 11, and 13 year old)

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