Darya Tolok

“Of course the most difficult thing on the violin is always intonation. The second one is rhythm. If you play in tune, in time with a good sound that's already high level. Those three are the main things." - Ruggiero Ricci

Through the study of violin, students learn how to develop not only their inner musician, but their critical thinking, motor, disciplinary, and organizational skills. And that is my aim as a violin teacher.

“I just love the viola. I find its sound very touching, because it’s very close to the sound and the range of the human speaking voice. It can sing, or be dramatic, and it has a lot of emotion in it.” - Lawrence Power

It is my goal to help students love and share music not only through learning violin or music theory, but also through learning the viola. This instrument resembles the human voice quite closely as well as enriches the harmony in many chamber and orchestral pieces.

“If you can hear it, you can play it.” - Jermaine Griggs

With music theory and ear (aural) training I help students develop vital skills that are necessary for musicians. Through singing, listening, and writing students learn how to internalize important elements of music such as pitch, rhythm, intervals and harmony. Music theory is the “behind the scenes” work that produces quality understanding for quality performance of music.