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Welcome to my blog about violin and viola lessons, practicing, and learning music. I’m a Juilliard-trained violinist and violist based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I perform and teach private violin and viola lessons both in person and online. Through this blog I share practical ideas for students, parents, and musicians who want to improve their playing and develop a consistent practice routine.
Many of these posts focus on topics that come up regularly in lessons: how to practice more effectively, how to stay motivated, and how to make steady progress on your instrument. I also write about online violin and viola lessons, performing as a professional musician, and life working in orchestras and chamber music internationally.
Whether you are a beginner student, an adult returning to music, or a professional preparing for auditions, my goal is to offer useful insights that help you practice more confidently and enjoy playing the violin or viola even more. I also share my thoughts on my substack.
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Managing Performance Anxiety as a Classical Musician
There’s no doubt that managing performance anxiety is one of the most common hurdles faced by classical musicians. Below is a selection of the lessons and tools I’ve learned on my personal journey navigating performance nerves as a professional classical musician. I’ve spoken to many musicians who felt very alone while going through similar struggles,…
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10 things I learned from studying at The Juilliard School
Advice from a Juilliard trained violist and teacher As a Juilliard-trained violist and teacher, I’d like to share some lessons I learned from studying at one of the world’s most competitive conservatories. Through the ups and downs of my career since graduating, I’ve found myself repeating these tips learned from experience to my students and to…
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How To Make Yourself Practice
Practice tips from a Juilliard-trained violin and viola teacher Getting yourself or your child to practice can be a mental battle every time. After over 25 years of practicing and 10 years of being a violin and viola teacher, here are a couple of practice tips that I have found really work. As an additional…
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Do Online Violin and Viola Lessons Really Work?
A Teacher’s Perspective on Virtual Music Study Do online violin and viola lessons really work? When the classical music world came to a halt in 2020, musicians everywhere were suddenly confronted with that daunting question. As a violist finishing my graduate degree at The Juilliard School and starting my first orchestra job with the Indianapolis…
Students who want structured guidance can also request private lessons online or in Cambridge here.
For more information about how I teach, you can read my violin teaching page here.
For my performance background and to listen to me play, explore some of my previous performances here.
For performance and teaching availability, you can contact me here.