Amherst/Northampton Area Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass Teachers

Jennifer Allen, Amherst MA
Instrument: Cello
Style: Classical
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: jenallencello@yahoo.com
Website: www.jenallencello.weebly.com
Contact phone: (413) 253-4075

Professional Credentials
Bachelor of Music Oberlin Conservatory, Extensive Suzuki Training

Teacher Comments:
I teach all levels and ages.  Please visit my website: www.jenallencello.weebly.com
Annika Amstutz, Florence MA
Instrument: Fiddle
Style: Irish, bluegrass, old time
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced
Contact email: annikasarah@gmail.com
Contact phone: (413) 281 4828

Teacher Comments:
I have been teaching fiddle lessons for over a decade and love working with students of all ages, skill levels, and interests. I have a degree in Elementary Education which I use in working with young students.  When teaching my youngest students I incorporate lots of games and activities to make learning fun and to support their learning.  I enjoy working with families to develop a good practice routine and love having parents be involved with fiddle lessons.  I teach primarily by ear and use a variety of singing and clapping activities to develop the important musical skills needed for fiddle. I also love teaching adults.  I’ve taught adults who have no prior musical experience as well as seasoned musicians looking to take on a new instrument or a new style of fiddle.  I enjoy being flexible and working with each student to help them reach their musical goals.  I teach bluegrass, Irish, and New England styles and pride myself in my ability to adapt my teaching to each students’ learning style.   These folk musical styles lend themselves to teaching by ear, however I also think it is important for my students to have a strong understanding of music theory and the ability to read music as well. I am available to give lessons in my own home or to travel to you.  Please contact me for more information about fiddle lessons!​
Deborah Ashe, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: debashe66@yahoo.com
Contact phone: 413 552 7588

Professional Credentials
Studied with Angela Cambell in the United Kingdom for 13 years, obtained Grade 8 (Merit) Academy of Music, London board exams.  Extensive experience in Chamber music, touring Europe and the USA during the 1980's.

Teacher Comments:
Although I am very familiar with the Suzuki method, I do not follow it, though I use some techniques that are very similar. I teach as I was taught, starting beginners with strong basic skills in technique that will provide them with a good foundation to producing a beautiful sound, encourage a relaxed, but in control approach to holding both instrument and bow so that they are comfortable, making playing a joy, not an uncomfortable task.
I do not teach music full time, which make it even more enjoyable when I do!
I have been teaching in the Pioneer Valley since arriving in this country 8 years ago.
Sarah Bish, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: sbish7@gmail.com
Contact phone: (845) 825 2165

Professional Credentials
Sarah Bish, 22, holds a Bachelors of Music Degree in cello performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music and a minor in European History from Case Western Reserve University. As an avid private cello teacher, Sarah completed her Suzuki Pedagogy certification with Dr. Melissa Kraut and was the substitute Suzuki cello teacher at the Sato Center at CIM from 2013-14. She is registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach the full method (Pre-Twinkle through Book 10). Her principal teachers include Merry Peckham and Madeleine Golz.

Sarah has been selected to perform in master classes with Stephen Isserlis, Zuill Bailey, Peter Wiley, Peter Salaff, and members of the Cavani String Quartet. She made her solo debut performing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic after winning first prize in the Virtuoso-in-Progress Concerto Competition. In 2014 Sarah performed in a Faculty Recital at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Sharon Robinson, Keith Robinson, Melissa Kraut, and Merry Peckham. She was awarded the Dean L. Harrington and Catharine Hobbs scholarships while attending the New York State Summer School of the Arts School of Orchestral Studies program where she was principal cellist. Sarah was featured as a soloist at the 2009 ASTA National Championship and performed with the Stringendo Orchestra Program’s Vivace Orchestra, which won first prize at the competition. She has also performed as a soloist in the Hudson Valley Society for Music’s 2012 Bachfest concert series. Sarah has attended festivals suc h as the Chautauqua Institute and the Aria International Music Academy, and has worked privately with cellists such as Steven Doane, Timothy Eddy, and Alisa Weilerstein. She has a strong interest in early music and attended the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute in 2013 where she was principal cellist. Sarah has a love of chamber music and participated in numerous chamber ensembles at the Cleveland Institute of Music that were selected to be in the CIM Intensive Quartet Seminar.

In the fall, Sarah will be beginning her Masters Degree at the University of Massachusetts- Amherst as the Cello Studio Teaching Assistant to Astrid Schween and will be participating in the Graduate Quartet Program. Her hometown is Poughkeepsie, New York.

Teacher Comments:
I specialize in teaching the Suzuki Cello Method and am registered with the SAA to teach Pre-Twinkle through Book 10 (full method). I believe in a full approach to learning the cello so ear training, theory, and reading are critical from the beginning. I also find it crucial for a learner (particularly children) to have social interactions with the cello so group classes will be a part of my studio. I truly love teaching and always look forward to each lesson or group class as they are new experiences for everyone!
David Casali, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Bass
Style: Classical, Jazz
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: casalidoublebass@gmail.com
Contact phone:  (413)561 5995

Professional Credentials
Masters in Double Bass Performance - Indiana University
Classical:
•Substitute bassist - Springfield Symphony Orchestra
•Bassist with the Amherst Symphony Orchestra
•Former Principal bassist - Wellesley Symphony
•Artist in Residence - Eagle Hill School (2017)

Jazz:
•Bassist for the National Jazz Band of America, opened for/played with Wynton Marsalis (2007)
•Bassist for the All-State Jazz Band
•Bassist for the District Jazz Band

Teacher Comments:
I am an experienced classical and jazz bassist with experience working with both older and younger students. I am also an elementary school music teacher and have a lot of experience teaching. My approach to teaching focuses heavily on technique building but I make sure to discover each student's interests and design lessons around their goals/make them fun.

​
Jason Davis, Hadley MA
Instrument(s): Bass
Style: Classical, Jazz
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: jasdav@gmail.com
Contact phone: 413-270-5182
www.valleybasslessons.com

Professional Credentials
I have a doctorate in jazz performance from McGill University in Montreal and a master's in classical performance from UMass Amherst. I have a passion for teaching and I work with students of all ages, styles, and levels.
I currently teach bass, guitar, and ear training at Amherst College and Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Public Charter School. I have also taught at McGill University, UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, and Deerfield Academy I perform jazz, pop, classical, salsa, and Brazilian music with a wide range of ensembles and I lead the environmental sound/improvisation group Earthsound.
I also have an extensive background in environmental science and education. I hold a master's degree in ecology from the University of Florida, I have done field research in Costa Rica, and I have worked as a ranger for the National Park Service. 

Teacher Comments:
My studio is conveniently located near route 9 in Hadley and I also give lessons online via Skype and Zoom. Please visit www.valleybasslessons.com. Samples of my music can be heard at www.climatemusic.net. Hope to speak with you soon!
Ignacy Gaydamovich, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin, Viola, Cello
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: ignacy@gaydamovich.com
Website: www.ignacycello.com 
Contact phone: (617) 817 7973

Professional Credentials
Dr. Ignacy Gaydamovich is an active soloist, recitalist, teacher, and a chamber musician. Born into an artistic family, he spent his formative years in Poland studying piano, cello and composition. There he also devoted his time as a music director to the theater Dzien Smierci Mozarta and produced a play for light and shadow after Britten's Suite No. 1. After winning several prizes at international competitions in Austria and Poland, he moved to the United States to continue his graduate studies. There his interests expanded to include conducting.

Dr. Gaydamovich performs in Europe, Lebanon, Japan, and the United States. He is a recipient of multiple awards from Austrian, American, and Polish institutions. In 2012 he gave the Albanian premiere of the Korngold Cello Concerto with the National Radio and Tv Orchestra of Albania in Tirana. As an advocate for new music, he gave the American premiere of Cellotronicum for cello and computer by Michal Talma-Sutt, commissioned and premiered a solo work by Alexander Barsov, and appeared on a crossover CD Cosmospir. He is a founding member of the Xonor Piano Trio, principal cellist of the Boston Chamber Orchestra.

A passionate teacher and organizer, Dr. Gaydamovich has been a frequent guest at the Conservatory Music in the Mountains in in Durango, Colorado. He has given masterclasses at the first middle-east orchestra program in Beirut in 2015, as well as at festivals in Japan, Poland, Lithuania, and at several American colleges and schools, and is a co-founder of the Promisek Bach Workshops in Bridgewater, Connecticut. During the Fall of 2015 he served on the cello faculty at the Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.

Dr. Gaydamovich has received degrees from F. Chopin Music Academy, Texas Christian University, Boston Conservatory, Longy School of Music, and University of Hartford. He has studied with Terry King, Jesús Castro-Balbi, Rhonda Rider, Andrzej Bauer and Kazimierz Michalik.

In addition to performance and pedagogical work, Dr. Gaydamovich is the author of a dissertation about Alfred Schinttke’s Cello Sonata No. 1, as well as the author and publisher of a cello method Beyond the Octave that expands upon the work of Janos Starker, and has lectured on historically informed performance practices relating to the classical cello repertoire. In his spare time he likes to make arrangements and transcriptions.

Teacher Comments:
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY- THE CELLO INSTITUTE
The Cello Institute approach addresses modern challenges in cello playing, promotes integral approach to learning and supports practice as a result of Informed Intuition through comprehensive cognitive preparation. As a part of the program’s curriculum I have created the method Beyond the Octave which allows students the absolute freedom over the fingerboard by dealing with the extended positions and the advanced use of the thumb. The method is pushing the boundaries set by Janos Starker and was enthusiastically received by him. The Institute includes group classes on various techniques, aural memorization, theoretical and historical elements of a diverse cello repertoire, allowing students to draw on all aspects of their music education to perfect their performance craft.

Informed Intuition is another aspect of my philosophy, teaching musicians how to carve their own paths and find their voices on the cello through careful studies of the repertoire, music history, and theory, where the artistic approach to music is based on educated and intelligent choices based on a belief that music always starts from the heart; the musician allows themselves to be vulnerable enough to follow their intuition, which should be rich, informed and educated. This is done through thorough studies. To avoid players trying to hide their lack of serious understanding behind “correctness” of technical executions, I encourage practicing an integral approach to studying music. Achieving a satisfying performance includes explorations in history, harmony, structure as well as knowledge of the technical devices.

Becoming a better musician cannot happen without becoming a better person. Therefore, the most important aspect of being a mentor, is to carefully look into students as human beings: draw out their best qualities, address the weaknesses, while allowing them to grow and mature as both people and musicians. My teaching approach focuses equally on student’s personality and musicianship, while promoting a deep understanding of music, creating an ever-vulnerable feeling of positive self-criticism and striving to excel on technical and musical planes.

I’m teaching that there are no permanent solutions and recipes for performing but rather options to play music differently and coherently every time. I am a firm believer that technical ability should not be a goal within itself, but rather a tool to clearly convey a musical thought and I encourage students to keep music at the forefront of their performance by utilizing technique as a service to musical expression. As a teacher, I prefer to teach principles, rather to give solutions that work only in the specific context. My goal is to educate students that eventually not only can think for themselves in the future, but also can become inspiring teachers to others.

Class Instruction (click all that apply)
In Person Private Instruction
Kaila Graef, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: kaila@kgviolin.com
Website: www.kgviolin.com
Contact phone: (413) 549 1367

Professional Credentials
Kaila holds a Bachelor of Music degree in violin performance from Peabody Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree from UMass Amherst. Her principal teachers include Shirley Givens, Marylou Speaker Churchill, and Philipp Naegele. Kaila has served on the faculty of the Vermont Youth Orchestra’s summer music camp and the Northampton Community Music Center. She has performed locally with the Springfield Symphony, Hampshire Choral Society, and the Wistaria Chamber Music Society.

Teacher Comments:
Kaila has taught Suzuki and traditional violin lessons at her private studio in Amherst since 2005. She enjoys working with students of all levels and ages.
Philip Helzer, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical, Jazz, Other
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: kpja1234@aol.com
Contact phone: (413)548-8818
Website: www.facebook.com/Philharmony
Professional Credentials
Philip Helzer has a Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance from Oberlin Conservatory and a Master's Degree in Cello Performance from Northern Illinois University where he was graduate assistant to Marc Johnson of the Vermeer Quartet. He also has a diploma in chamber music from the Accademia Chigiana in Sienna, Italy. He has performed with the Albany and Berkshire Symphonies, Arcadia Players, and has been Principal Cello of the Pioneer Valley Symphony and the Minnetonka Orchestra. As a member of the Civic Orchestra in Chicago, he's played under conductors Solti, Giulini and Haitink. He has also conducted and been cast as a lead in several Valley Light Opera productions.

Teacher Comments:
As a cellist, singer and conductor I see many sides of the living sculpture that is music. My education has given me the tools and training to teach, but more important is my empathy and support as a teacher. Learning an instrument in many ways is an exercise in problem solving, and if these problems can be solved in a way that encourages the student, rather than berating the student, then the student can begin to achieve musical self empowerment. I treasure the many times my students, and/or their parents, have told me, how much they now love to play! If they win a competition, that's ok too, but more important is that they catch the fire of the love of music making.
Christa Muller Hendricks, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: christa.l.muller@gmail.com
Website: www.christamullerhendricks.com

Professional Credentials
A native of Miami, Christa Muller Hendricks holds a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance, cum laude, from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, and a Master’s degree in Violin Performance with an emphasis in Suzuki Pedagogy from The Hartt School. She is a member of the Suzuki violin faculty at Northampton Community Music Center in Western Massachusetts.

Christa received the Bertha Foster Scholarship for Instrumental Performance from the Frost School, and was the 2010 recipient of the Romani Scholarship for Strings at The Hartt School. Her principal teachers include Elizabeth Faidley, Scott Flavin, and Anton Miller, as well as masterclasses and summer study with Kurt Nikkanen, Maria Schleuning, Marin Alsop, Renee Jolles, Phillip Ying, Janet Ying, and Carolyn Stuart. Summer festivals include Eastern Music Festival, Killington Music Festival, the Pine Mountain Festival’s Young Artist Residency (MI), the Bowdoin International Music Festival, and the Starling-Delay Symposium on Violin Studies at The Juilliard School. Christa has performed in a variety of chamber ensembles, and has been heard on National Public Radio. She has played professionally for the Miami Bach Society, the Palm Beach Pops Orchestra, and Mark O’Connor.

As a student in The Hartt School’s prestigious Suzuki Pedagogy program, Christa was a graduate teaching assistant to Teri Einfeldt, and completed SAA long-term teacher training through Volume 8. Christa has also been a substitute teacher at the Hartt School Community Division, as well as the manager of the Appoggiatura Suzuki Orchestra. She received Suzuki training from Michelle George, Teri Einfeldt, and Edward Kreitman.
Carol Hutter, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical, Fiddle, Other
Teachers Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: Carolhutterviola@gmail.com
Website: www.belcantochamberplayers.com
Contact phone: 413-586-4992

Professional Credentials
  • I  have been teaching for 30 years..actually a little more. I have teacher training in Suzuki, The New Approach by Kato Havas, and also Music For People by David Darling. I am traditionally trained in piano, violin and viola. Started piano at age 4. violin studies with Leopold Rybb, Elaline Sutin Teicher, Marianne Wallenberg, Fredy Ostrovsky. Viola with Toby Appel, Burton Fine, Janet Lyman Hill, and Sol Greitzer. Chamber Music training with the Lenox String Quartet, Julian Olevsky, Philip Naegele, Louis Krasner, Yehudi Wyner, Eugene Lehner..etc.
  • I have Suzuki teacher training from Ithaca College and the Hartt School of Music.
  • I teach in Northampton, Springfield and Amherst. I am a founding teacher at the Community Music School of Springfield, and also at the Northampton Community Music Center. I teach in Amherst at a church, and also at my home.
  • I have a Bacheor of Arts from New England Conservatory and State University of New York at Binghamton. I hold a Master's of Music from Umass Amherst where I was in the Graduate String Quartet residency program, and then was chosen to be the First Post Graduate Quartet in Residence.
  • I have been a fellow at Tanglewood Music Center for 2 summers, and worked closely with Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa and Gunther Schuller. I was also a fellow at the Waterloo Music School in New Jersey, and also in the orchestra at the Peter Britt Music Festival in Oregon. I played under many famous conductors such as James DePriest, Gerard Schwartz, and Klaus Tennstedt.
  • I have been a member of the Binghamton Symphony Orchestra where I was assistant principal viola, and the Tri Cities Opera Orchestra. I am a member of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra for many years, and also was a member of the Hartford Symphony. I freelance in New York and New England, and teach many students.

Teacher Comments:
I LOVE teaching music, and I feel that music and making music is something that all people can enjoy. I really love to play and work hard. I enjoy helping students and parents enjoy music together. As a child grows up, the child then can have lessons on their own. I really Love the advanced repertoire of the instruments, violin and viola, and especially love to work on these things, but teaching from the beginning is so much fun. Every time I work with someone on lightly Row, Twinkle, Go Tel Aunt Rhody, etc. It is NEW.. because each student is NEW!

I do not have my very own web site for teaching yet, but I will let you know in the future when I do. I hope you will contact me for lessons. Thank you. By the way.. I used to teach right upstairs in Stamell's workshop for many years. I love the shop, and miss teaching in house!

Lauren Holder, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical, Fiddle
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: beinglolo@gmail.com
Contact phone: 352-871-6056
Colleen Jennings, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Student type: intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: colljenn@gmail.com
www.colleenjennings.com
Contact phone: 413 230 0526

Professional Credentials
*Smith College, music faculty
*Greenwood Music Camp, faculty
*Chamber Music Class, founder and director
*Alexander Technique and Body Mapping, extensive
experience
*Apple Hill String Quartet, former violinist
*Co-Artistic Director of the Apple Hill Center for Chamber
Music, former resident artist
*Rice University, Master of Music
*Oberlin Conservatory, Bachelor of Music
*Artist Diploma, Basel, Switzerland

Teacher Comments:
I love helping students discover their unique voice through the violin. My students benefit from a sense of accomplishment having worked to set and reach desired goals that are truly authentic and help to define the role of music in their lives. Studying the violin is helpful in so many areas of life from learning time management and discipline skills, developing coordination and fine motor skills, and learning to listen deeply and constructively. My students have excelled in these pursuits while also getting into major music conservatories, summer festivals, soloing with orchestras and winning top honors. ​In addition, my interest in how the use of the body effects both technique and musical expression has led me to extensive study in Alexander Technique and Body Mapping which I integrate into my teaching. This awareness helps students to continue to play their instruments free of injury. I offer private lessons as well as chamber music coaching for new or preformed groups. If you think you could benefit from working with me, I am anxious to meet you!

Becky Kalish, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Viola
Teaches Suzuki method
Style: Classical
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: rkalish@oberlin.edu
Contact phone: 617-901-7003

Professional Credentials
I am a recent graduate of Oberlin Col lege and Conservatory, where I majored in Viola Performance and Environmental Studies. I completed a string pedagogy course at Oberlin and taught students privately last semester. I have also had experience teaching chamber music to kids ages 10-13 at Greenwood Music Camp, a camp in Cummington, MA. I also coached chamber music last semester to middle school students at Lake Ridge Academy, a private K-12 school in North Ridgeville, Ohio. I really love working with kids of all ages and would love to keep teaching. I have additionally had extensive experience both playing and teaching the Suzuki Method.

Teacher Comments:
I am eager to start teaching in the area and excited by the prospect of getting to know new students. I will work individually with each student to meet their goals and ensure that a fun, but productive, learning environment exists!

Stephen Katz, Haydenville MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical, Jazz, other
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: stephenkatzmusic@gmail.com
Website: www.stephenkatzmusic.com
Contact phone: 413-320-6087

Professional Credentials
Graduate degrees in Cello Performance: Bachelors at the University of Illinois, Masters at Cincinnati College-Conservatory. Studied with Gabriel Magyar, Laurien Laufman, Zara Nelsova, and numerous other teachers, coaches, and orchestra conductors, including all members of the Tokyo and La Salle Quartets. As a member of the Essex Quartet, performed internationally and had post-graduate roles at UMASS Amherst and Yale University.

Teaching Highlights: Over four decades as a cello teacher, Meadowmount School (NY), Arcady International Strings Festival (ME), Essex Conservatory (NJ), Quartet-in-residence at UMass Amherst as cellist of The Essex Quartet, faculty at Connecticut Conservatory of Dance and Music, Conductor and Music Director of the Litchfield (CT) Chamber Orchestra.

Workshop Leader Highlights: Cologne, Germany, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, New Directions Cello Festival (NYC, CT, WI), Cleveland Cello Society, Connecticut Cello Society, CelloCelli Workshops (OH, MI, MA)

Biography: Cellist and award-winning composer Stephen Katz has charted new territory for the rhythmic potential of the cello with the groundbreaking technique he calls Flying Pizzicato. He premiered his cello compositions at Carnegie Recital Hall and has performed internationally as a soloist and with the Paul Winter Consort, Susan Werner, and the Essex String Quartet. Stephen was featured on American Public Media national broadcasts of Performance Today, has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mass Cultural Council/Northampton Arts Council, and won the Jury Prize Gold Medal at the Park City Film Music Festival. His film scores are heard nationally on PBS/Independent Lens. A native of San Francisco, Stephen and his family live in Haydenville, Massachusetts. 


Teacher Comments:
My goals as a teacher are to guide students through satisfying m usic-making experiences, fine tune their problem-solving skills, and strengthen their ability to express themselves through music.

I perform, teach, and publish my own cello compositions. For more information, see www.stephenkatzmusic.com
David Kaynor, Montague MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Fiddle
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: davidkaynor@mac.com
Website: www.davidkaynor.com
Contact phone: (413) 367 9380

Professional Credentials
40 years of performance (guitar, fiddle, vocals), academic degrees in counseling (M.Ed., Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study 1879 Springfield College), instruction and performance at numerous music and dance weekends and festivals including Old Songs Festival, Dance Flurry Festival, Folklife Festival, Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend, and many others.

Recordings: Tom Juravich's _Rise Again_; The Fourgone Conclusions _Contra Dance Music from Western Massachusetts_ (Front Hall), Three Good Reasons _Montague Processional_; Greenfield Dance Band _High Clouds_; David Kaynor/Betsy Branch _Midnight in Montague_; contributing musician on numerous other recordings.

Teacher Comments:
  • I love taking part in the learning processes. My favorite approach is to develop the melody by ear, with attention to rhythm and expression, and provide sheet music as a reference.
  • I'm self-taught but have been influenced by several formally trained violinists and am told that I have a reasonably good understanding of basic technique.
  • My favorite fiddle music includes dance-worthy reels, jigs, hornpipes, and waltzes from American, Canadian, and British Isles traditions; music from Scandinavian traditions; and airs, wedding processionals, and other pieces from outside the dance repertoire.
  • In recent years, I've had to spend around half of each month on the road. I'm hoping to once again be primarily a local musician.
  • I prefer to teach at home in Montague Center but will consider other locations.
  • I try to have my lesson fees on the affordable end of the fee spectrum and I'm open to barter and work exchange.
Van Kaynor, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical, Fiddle
Teachers Suzuki Method
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: vankaynor@gmail.com
Website: www.themovingviolations.com
Contact phone: 413-549-1913

Professional Credentials
  • I have officially trained for Suzuki Violin through Book 6 and have also played "fiddle" in several bands since the late 1970s. Two current bands, The Moving Violations and Big Bandemonium, are in the process of making new CDs.
  • I also enjoy teaching Viola and have done several viola teaching workshops as well as quartet coaching classes.

Teacher Comments:
I enjoy both classical and fiddle music equally. Most of my students continue Suzuki violin or Viola while adding "fiddle" as a fun way to put their technique to use with different styles. I believe everybody can learn, and I enjoy teaching adult beginners as well as children. My students range in age from 4 to 86.
Romina Kostare, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Student type: intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: risithree@yahoo.com
Contact phone: 413-549-9956

Professional Credentials
  • M.M in violin performance, UMASS, Amherst.
  • Member of Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Hartord Symphony Orchestra.
Karl Knapp, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical, other
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner children, intermediate children
Website: https://suzukiassociation.org/people/karl-knapp/
Contact email: karldknapp@gmail.com
Contact phone: 309 645 6770

Professional Credentials
BM - Illinois Wesleyan University
MM & DMA - University of Wisconsin Madison
Suzuki Training through book 5

Taught Cello and Music Theory at University of Alaska Fairbanks 2008-2015


Teacher Comments:
Dr. Karl Knapp is known as a devoted Suzuki educator and also for his solo and chamber music performances. He recently served as Principal Cellist with the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra as well as the Arctic Chamber Orchestra and the Juneau Symphony Orchestra.

In Alaska, Dr. Knapp helped found the Alaska Cello Intensive. ACI is a two-week summer program which combines intense music study with the similarly intense experience of Alaska’s midnight sun and landscapes like Denali national park or Kennecott Glacier. His students have continued their studies at schools such as University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Michigan, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.

His Master and Doctorate of Music performance degrees are from University of Wisconsin—Madison where he was a member of the Hunt Quartet, an educational ensemble which took classical music into the elementary schools in the area. He has performed in the Madison Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Madison Opera Orchestra, and Minnesota Opera Orchestra. His studies have been with with Karl Lavine, Stefan Kartman, Nina Gordon, Uri Vardi, Parry Karp, and the members of the Pro Arte Quartet.
Eric Lee, Easthampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Fiddle
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Contact email: ericleeviolin@gmail.com
Website: www.eric-lee-music.com
Contact phone: (413) 320-8157

Professional Credentials
Performed with:
Peter Rowan, Eric Andersen, John Gorka, The Gather Rounders, The Kennedys, The Strangelings, Dan Navarro

Teacher Comments:
In addition to working with beginning students on the fundamentals of technique, I specialize in working with folks of all levels who wish to adapt or advance their skills within the field of bluegrass fiddle playing. Bow exercises, double and triple stop technique (in the style of Vassar Clements, Scotty Stoneman, and Kenny Baker) and improvisational concepts are all areas I cover in lessons.
Eric Mrugala, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, adults
Contact email: amherstviolinschool@gmail.com
Website: www.amherstviolinschool.com
Contact phone: 617-990-2044

Professional Credentials
Eric Mrugala is from Chicago, IL and started playing the violin at the age of three. He is an active performer and teacher based in Amherst, Massachusetts. He educates audiences and is dedicated to expanding the violinistic tradition in solo and chamber music repertoire.

He appears with New England ensembles such as the Berkshire Symphony, Bennington Chorale, Keene Chorale, and Cape Ann Symphony. Mrugala has made appearances in Boston Symphony Hall, Sanders Theater, Kresge Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, Royal Concertgebouw Hall, De Doulen Hall, Smetana Hall, Dvorak Hall, UMass Amherst Concert Hall, and Bezanson Recital Hall. His recent engagements include collaborating with living composers and performing alongside members of the Fifth House Ensemble at Fresh Inc Festival. Other chamber music experiences include the Brancaleoni International Music Festival in Italy, and the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival in Burlington, VT.

Mrugala enjoys collaborating with musicians in traditional and non-traditional settings. Recent highlights include performing alongside DJ Spooky in Quantopia, a multimedia concert experience celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Internet, and has also performed at the Berklee Performance Center with Iranian violinist Bijan Mortazavi. Eric Mrugala collaborates with living composers to commission and perform new works. Outside of his performance engagements, Eric is the host of the Everyday Musician Podcast, a podcast where he talks to everyday musicians doing amazing things.

Eric Mrugala received his Bachelors Degree at the Boston Conservatory, and completed his Masters degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst as a Graduate Quartet Fellow, and a recipient of the Julian Olevsky Violin/Viola Memorial Award. Eric Mrugala's teachers include Edyta Mrugala, Rictor Noren, and Elizabeth Chang.
Lynn Newdome "VioLynn Studio", Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical, Fiddle, Jazz, etc. - whatever a student has interest in!
Student type: Specializing in adults of any level, and welcoming all ages into my studio
Teaching methods: Fusion of Classical pedagogy, Suzuki, and 20+ years' experience
Contact email: info@violynnstudio.com
Website: www.violynnstudio.com
Contact phone: 413-585-0663

Professional Credentials:
Education:
  • Master of Music, Boston University School for the Arts
  • Bachelor of Music with High Honors, University of Colorado School of Music
  • Suzuki Institute Teachers’ Training, American String Teachers' Association Eclectic Music Workshops
Teaching:
  • Williston Northampton School, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Eaglebrook School, Academy at Charlemont, Hilltown Cooperative Charter School, Lander-Grinspoon Academy, Northampton Public Schools, Northampton Community Music Center, Holyoke Children's String Workshop - in addition to private studio
Performance:
  • Boston Pops, Harvard Chamber Orchestra, Boston Opera Orchestra, Handel and Haydn Society Orchestra, Boston Ballet Orchestra, Hartford Symphony, Springfield Symphony…

Teacher Comments:
I really enjoy connecting with students and exploring the styles of music each has a passion for. Drawing upon my experience and knowledge of many pedagogical approaches, I find unique methods for each player. Lessons are both a journey of musical genres and a sophisticated study of the highest standards of violin technique.
 
I hold Studio Classes to augment private lessons, giving students opportunities to play for and with each other. It's a wonderful group!
 
*Socially-distanced studio and Zoom options are available in these times of COVID. https://www.violynnstudio.com/lesson-options.html
Ariel Parkington, Amherst MA
​Instrument(s): Violin, Viola, Fiddle
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, and advanced
Contact email: arielparkington@gmail.com
Contact phone: 520-822-6096
​
Professional Credentials
Ariel has two Master's degrees, in Violin (University of Arizona) and Chamber Music (University of South Florida), with a BM from Boston University. She is also a trained, certified Suzuki instructor. Formerly, Ariel taught classroom strings in the Tucson school district. She currently teaches strings and chamber music at Deerfield Academy.​
Diana Peelle, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, and advanced children
Contact email: peelle@alum.swarthmore.edu
Contact phone: (413) 253 3682

Professional Credentials
B.S. in Music and Psychology (Indiana University School of Music.), M. Ed. (University of MA, Amherst), Teacher Training in Suzuki Violin Books 1-6 registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, American String Teachers' Association (life member), Suzuki Association of the Americas (life member), Suzuki MA (member), Co-founder and Co-director of the Western MA Suzuki Association (WMSA)

Teacher Comments:
Suzuki Violin program for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ages 4 through high school, private lessons and bi-monthly group classes, performance opportunities include solo recitals, group recitals, as well as "Play-ins" sponsored by the WMSA, one-week summer instructional program offered to area Suzuki string instrumentalists and their families, sponsored by the WMSA (includes private and group instruction, fiddle, orchestra, and chamber music, taught by guest teachers from all over the Northeast).
Tyson Peelle, Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical, Other (if requested)
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Website: http://www.peelleviolinviola.com/
Contact email: tapeelle@yahoo.com
Contact phone: (413) 259 1897 or (413) 687 1897

Professional Credentials
  • Music Education: Bachelor of Arts @ Umass, Amherst
  • I have been teaching violin and viola from my home since the year 2000.

Teacher Comments:
It is exciting to hear and see students enjoying music and making progress on their instruments!
Daniel Plane, Ashfield MA
Instrument(s): Violin, Cello
Style: Classical, Fiddle, Gypsy, Other
Student type: children and adults, beginner, intermediate, and advanced
Contact email: planethecello@gmail.com
Website: www.danielplane.com
Contact phone: (413) 628-3986

Professional Credentials
  • Longy School of Music, Cello performance major, student of Terry King (who
    studied principally under the tutelage of Gregor Piatagorsky).
  • Berklee School  of Music, student of Eugene Friesen.
  • Wealth of performing experience,  including actively touring the country with a four-piece
    stringband.
  • Accomplished improvisor and student of many musical traditions, including jazz, bluegrass, swing, Irish, and old-time.
  • 10 years experience teaching all ages.
  • 10 years experience as studio musician.
  • Self taught guitarist, fiddler, mandolinist, and upright bassist.

Teacher Comments:
I can help you make the music you want to make!
Lessons offered  in Amherst, Hadley, and Ashfield!
Hear samples of my playing at www.danielplane.com

Kavan Rambukwelle, Northampton/Easthampton/Westfield/Holyoke/Springfield
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical, Jazz, Gypsy, Fiddle
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: krambukwelle@yahoo.com
Contact phone: (413) 785 1919

Professional Credentials
Highly accomplished Violinist/Pianist (M. Music University of Notre Dame, BFA SUNY Purchase).  Studied with Kato Havas in Oxford, UK in the 'New Approach' (eliminating tension and anxiety in violin playing and control over Stage Fright).  Violin Studies with Amadeo Liva (Assistant to Ivan Galamian at Juilliard. Mr. Galamian was teacher of 20th and 21st centuries most famous violinist Itzhak Perlman, among many other violin luminaries. He is also known as founder of the American School of Violin Playing and America's Greatest Violin Teacher), Daniel Phillips, Charles Treger, & Caroline Plummer.  Baroque Music Performance practice with Anthony Newman and Dr. Yehudi Wyner (Former Dean of Composition, Yale Univ.).  Chamber Music with Tokyo String Quartet, Medici Quartet & New World String Quartet

Teacher Comments:
Beginners to advanced, 6 yrs. - adult
Special experience with adult beginners
Over 25+ years teaching experience
Can teach at your home (additional mileage expense may apply) or my studio
$25 per half hour lesson
Available for day, evening, and weekend lessons
Patient and kind with all levels of students
The Amherst Red Barn Music School is a collaboration of eighteen music teachers at our studios at 409 Main St (by the Amtrak station) in Amherst. We believe that anyone who has the desire to make music can learn the skills they need to succeed, all ages and styles and levels, and our job is to help you learn what you need.
http://www.redbarnmusic.com/
Liz Rose, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin, Viola, and Cello
Style: Classical, Fiddle
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: Delphiniumrose@yahoo.com
Contact phone: 413-320-3370

Professional Credentials
Graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, teaching and freelancing in the Boston area for 25 years, as a baroque and modern violist.
Contracted violist for SSO.

Teacher Comments:
I trained as a Suzuki teacher at School for Strings in NYC, but my teaching also draws a lot from the Galamian technique my own teachers passed onto me.  I do teach reading music early on as students are developing listening skills as well.
Rebecca Rose, Florence MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children
Contact email: r.rose55@gmail.com
Contact phone: 413-586-0714

Professional Credentials
Juilliard School of Music
Oberlin College
Free Lance playing and teaching in San Francisco, New York and MA.

Teacher Comments:
I combine the Suzuki Method along with my own style of teaching.
Slapin-Solomon Studios (Online and South Hadley/Amherst, MA)
Tanya Solomon and Scott Slapin
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: violaduo@gmail.com
Website: www.violaduo.com
Contact phone: 413-345-5062

Professional Credentials
  • Degrees from Oberlin Conservatory, Northwestern University, and Manhattan School of Music.
  • Experienced orchestral musicians and recitalists. Several recordings available.

Teacher Comments:
  • We teach students aged 8 and up. We love adult students too!
  • Private lessons, music theory/composition, and chamber music
  • Lessons available via Skype
​
"The award-winning Slapin-Solomon Duo has been performing for more than twenty years with many acclaimed duo recordings and world premieres to their credit. They bring extensive experience as solo, chamber, and orchestral musicians on both viola and violin to their private teaching studios."
Robert Sorel, Ware MA
Instrument(s): Violin and Viola
Style: Classical
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: sorelmusicstudio@yahoo.com
Website: www.sorelmusicstudio.com
Contact phone: 413-967-0298
Amanda Stenroos, Hadley and Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner children, intermediate children
Contact email: akstenroos@gmail.com

Amanda Stenroos received her Master of Music from The University of Massachusetts Amherst. While at UMass, she was a member of the Henle string quartet and was concertmaster of the UMass Amherst Symphony Orchestra. She received her Bachelor of Music in violin performance from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Berea, Ohio. Her teachers include Elizabeth Chang, Julian Ross and Annie Fullard. Amanda has performed in orchestras and festivals in Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Bolivia and most recently at the Brancaleoni International Music Fesival in Piobbico, Italy.
A lover of Bach, Amanda is co-founder of UMass Amherst’s bi-annual Bach Festival and Symposium. She manages the Lighthouse Chamber Players, a chamber music festival on Cape Cod and enjoys freelancing in the Pioneer Valley and other parts of Massachusetts.
Amanda teaches private Suzuki violin lessons in Hadley as well as private and group Suzuki lessons at the Northampton Community Music Center. She has certification in Suzuki Violin Book 1 from Mark Mutter at Phoenix Fest, Suzuki Violin Book 2 from Carrie Reuning-Hummel at Ithaca and Suzuki Violin Book 3 from Linda Fiore at the Hartt Suzuki Institute.
Delores Thayer, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Viola
Style: Classical
Student type: intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: deloree@aol.com
Contact phone: 413 387 7302

Professional Credentials
  • Delores holds degrees in Viola Perfo rmance from the University of Michigan and the Yale Graduate School of Music.
  • She is on the viola faculty of Amherst College, Northfield Mount Hermon Preparatory School, and maintains a private home studio in downtown Northampton.
  • Delores is Assistant Principal Violist of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and is a member of the Berkshire Symphony at Williams College, Arcadia Players (Baroque viola), Wistariahurst Chamber Music Society, and free lances with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and other Boston area groups.

Teacher Comments:
  • Each student is unique and I tailor my teaching and use of repertoire to each student's needs. I draw from the extensive viola repertoire and Suzuki books when appropriate. My other specialties include audition prep, orchestra music, and coaching chamber music.
  • My home studio is in the heart of downtown Northampton. Enjoy the shopping and cafes while your child is having a lesson.
David Vernon, Northampton MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical, Jazz
Student type: beginners, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: vcdavid2002@yahoo.co.uk
Contact phone: (617) 852 1228

Professional Credentials
  • Studied Cello At Peabody Conservatory with Mihaly Virizlay
  • Masters degree From University of Massachusetts
  • Have taught at Deerfield Academy and Northfield Mount Herman schools and Keens State Collage
  • Spent a number of years playing and teaching in London UK

Teacher Comments:
I have many years teaching experience and it is something I enjoy and take a great interest in. In addition to teaching classical cello style and technique, I have found recently that teaching some Jazz to my classical students has caused them to feel they know the instrument in a new and refreshing way .They are, as a result,much better at classical music. In the 21 century it is no longer going to be enough to be familiar with one musical style. Flexibility is expected and a great deal of fun.
Carolyn Walker, Leverett/North Amherst MA
Instrument(s): Violin
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children, adults
Contact email: carolyn.a.walker@gmail.com
Contact phone: 413-374-1025
Website: www.walkerstringteaching.com/Main.html

Professional Credentials
Bachelors in Music Education, K-12 certified
Masters in Music Theory, Aural Skills (ear training)
Completion of Suzuki Training in Book 1

Teacher Comments:
Carolyn has been teaching private and group violin lessons since 2001. She has been teaching in both the Holyoke Summer Strings program and Red Oak Strings summer chamber music program since 2007.
Anne Werry, Easthampton MA
Instrument(s): Cello
Style: Classical
Teaches Suzuki Method
Student type: beginner, intermediate, advanced, children
Contact email: annesuzukicello@gmail.com
Contact phone: (413) 527-8209

Professional Credentials
B.Mus. (honors) in 'cello, B.A. in German, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Licentiate of the Royal Schools  of Music and Trinity College of London. The Boston Conservatory Graduate  Performance Certificate. Teacher Training in Suzuki cello, Books 1-7 registered  with the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Suzuki Association of the Americas  member, Suzuki MA member. Training in Music Together, MusikGarten and Orffschulwerk. Extensive professional Orchestra experience in New Zealana and  USA. Cello Faculty at the Northampton Community Music Center for 15 years. Also has taught at the Community Music School of Springfield and in the Children's  String Workshop in Holyoke. Cello Teacher at the Smith College Campus School.  Co-director of the Northampton Community Music Center summer chamber music  program, a one-week camp.

Teacher Comments:
Suzuki  cello program for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ages 3 through  high school, private lessons and monthly group
classes, Performance  opportunities include solo recitals, group recitals, "Play-ins" and community  outreach performances. The Western Mass. Suzuki Academy is a one-week summer  instructional program for Suzuki string instrumentalists and their families.  (includes private and group instruction, fiddle, orchestra, and chamber music,  taught by guest teachers from all over the Northeast).
Tom Williams, Belchertown MA
Instrument(s): Bass
Style: Classical, Jazz
Student type: beginner, intermediate, children, adults
Contact email: williamst02@gmail.com
Contact phone: 847-571-3630

Professional Credentials
Bachelor of music from the University of Arizona (studied with Patrick Neher; attended annual Bass Symposiums held there featuring classes and critiques by such luminaries of the Double Bass as David Walter, Bertram Turetzky, John Clayton, and Francois Rabbath)

Teacher Comments:
I have over 17 years experience working with orchestral and jazz students.  I will travel to your home for lessons of you live in the Amherst area.  I provide patient yet enthusiastic instruction focusing not only on fundamentals and tone production but also on the sheer enjoyment of playing the noble Contrabass.