Brian A.
Instrument(s): Violin, ViolaAreas of Work: Suffolk
Type(s) of Lessons Offered: In Home, Online
Brian is a Long Island-based viola and violin teacher currently working towards a Master’s degree in viola performance. He has taught dozens of violin and viola students ages 6-70, and continues to maintain a hybrid studio in Northern Virginia in addition to lessons online and on Long Island. Brian holds a Bachelor of Music degree in viola from the Peabody Institute of Music in Baltimore.
Brian says: I care deeply about the quality of my lessons, and I continuously improve my teaching materials to meet the needs of each student and to reflect each new insight I gain about string playing. My approach in lessons is based on having a long term plan for each student of becoming an excellent all-around musician, while achieving satisfying results in the short term.
The most important skill I focus on with every student, young and old, is being able to analyze a technical or musical problem, break it down into a set of realistic steps, and work with efficiency to gain and retain the results. In other words: understanding how to practice in a rewarding but challenging way.
My core goals in the next few years are to form or join a professional string quartet; and to build a significant teaching studio while having an impact on local schools and youth orchestras.
Karolina B.
Instrument(s): PianoAreas of Work: Nassau
Type(s) of Lessons Offered: In Home, Online
Karolina began studying piano at the age of seven under the tutelage of Dr. Ana Maria Trenchi Bottazzi. She received her Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano Performance from William Paterson University. Studying with Gary Kirkpatrick, Karolina graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors. She was a founding member and participant of the William Paterson University Piano Ensemble for two years. Karolina’s notable performances include an appearance with the Leschetizky Piano Society and two solo recitals at the Kosciuszko Foundation. Karolina taught piano lessons at the Music Den in Kinnelon, NJ for students varying in age and ability.
Michael Violette
Instrument(s): Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, 5 String Banjo, Mandolin, WoodwindsAreas of Work: Suffolk
Type(s) of Lessons Offered: In Home, Online
Michael has been at the helm of String Sound Studios since 1986. Mainly a guitarist, he is also well-schooled in bass guitar, piano, and some woodwinds. He is considered by his peers to be a talented multi-instrumentalist with skills on 5-string banjo, ukulele, and mandolin. While at Five Towns College, Michael studied with master musicians Peter Rogine, John Dewitt, and Donna Olson. Michael insists on being eclectic and shares a deep understanding of jazz, rock, blues, and classical music with all his students. Michael has a world view of music which includes Latin, eastern, and western elements that show up in his arranging.
Over the years, many of his students have been accepted into music colleges and are actively involved in the music industry today. Michael is also an ace transcriber, arranger, and extremely knowledgeable in using music software such as Sibelius to arrange and compose music for the ensembles at our Setauket studio. For over 30 years he has been guiding students in NYSSMA, All-State, recitals and college auditions. Michael’s influences range from Bach to Larry Carlton, and he has played with numerous bands as a freelancer over the years. He is in the midst of a finger-style solo guitar project and involved in private and ensemble music instruction.
Along with possessing a strong musical prowess, Michael and his family are very involved with ice skating and ice hockey.