I'm Ally. Violinist, Violist, belty mezzo/contralto, and teacher to tiny musicians! (Actually, I do teach ALL ages!) I teach total beginners all the way through auditioning musicians for violin, viola, and voice.
My goal is to expand my family of students enough to be able to teach full time. I want to devote my time to teaching, organizing group classes, promoting recitals and other performance opportunities for my students. I am tired of dividing my time to the boring, mundane job I have just to pay the bills, and struggle to teach, when teaching is really what I want to be doing. So here I am, hoping to get the word out, and help prepare future musicians for the world to enjoy! Welcome to my page - glad you stopped by!
about me
I grew up on Long Island, NY, and began my musical journey at age 2, learning the violin using the Suzuki Method. By the 3rd grade, I was performing in recitals, workshops (promoting the Suzuki Method), and concerts around NY.
Over the years, I also took piano and viola lessons, as well as formal vocal training. I participated in All-County and All-State Orchestras and Choirs. In addition, I was also a member of a variety of youth orchestras, chamber groups, and community orchestras. I spent a good chunk of my early musical career serving as the Principal Second Violin in several different orchestras. I love leading the second violin section the most, but have also been a section Violin I and II player, a Concertmaster, and even a Principal Viola (that happened twice, and the first time it was the most terrifying experience of my life because I had only been playing for 5 or 6 months at that point!)
I began intense study at the Manhattan School of Music and continued until she graduated. There, I received formal training in music theory, ear training, chamber music studies, and of course private lessons and orchestra. On the side, I still performed with various orchestra and chamber groups, and was invited to perform at public functions, including one for then-Governor of NY, George Pataki. I was given the opportunity to tour around the world with a youth orchestra and went on a tour with a choir to Canada. I have participated in various masterclasses, pit orchestras, and even got to perform as a vocalist in various musicals (favorites included playing Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat).
Along with performing, I also taught violin lessons and mentored violinists and vocalists in preparing for auditions and performances.
I moved to Florida in 2007 and have enjoyed playing in various orchestras and teaching private lessons.
I teach a hybrid Suzuki method. Meaning, I do not follow the Suzuki method completely, but I do use their method books and many of their teachings for early beginners. I cater my teaching to each individual student's needs and learning styles.
Where Do I Start?
Buy or Rent an instrument?
Always rent first. There are 2 reasons for this:
1) you are testing the waters right now. Make sure you actually like the instrument you have chosen BEFORE you make it permanent and purchase.
2) Until you are a fully grown person, you will be going through
several sizes (of violins or violas), so unless you want to have various sized instruments just laying around, you'll want to wait until you are ready for a full sized instrument - the one that you could potentially be playing on for a lifetime.
Where do I rent an instrument?
If you are local, I recommend two places:
1) The Violin Shop Tampa
2) Ronald Sachs Violins
Rent to Own - Internet
3) Stringworks
4) Johnson Stringed Instruments
5) SharMusic
purchasing one from Amazon. I know it's cheap - but you do get what you pay for. Cheap often means poor quality,
horrible craftsmanship, and generally a bad playing experience. When
something is wrong with your instrument, it makes learning how to play properly even harder. It's not worth it. Please trust me on this!
What Do I Need?
Supplies/Accessories That You Should Purchase Right Away:
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Rosin
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Shoulder Rest or Wedge
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Music Stand
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Music Book(s) (we will discuss)
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Pencils with a good eraser
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Notepad
For virtual students:
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stable internet connection (direct connection vs wifi is usually more reliable)
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tablet or computer/laptop
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speakers*
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mic*
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Chrome browser - I teach mainly using Musicology, which requires that you use Chrome. If using an iPad or iPhone+, you can download the app.
* if these are built in to your device, that's usually adequate.
+ If at all possible, try not to rely on an iPhone for your lesson. The smaller screen may make it more difficult to see me if I am trying to demonstrate something.
How To Participate in Virtual Lessons
I primarily use Musicology. I also use Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Duo.
What Else Should I Know?
Availability
Please contact me directly for available days/times, as this can change from month to month.
Lesson Length
Lessons generally run 30 or 60 minutes. This CAN vary, depending on student's level of skill.
Cost
$30 per 30 minutes. I collect for the full month at the end of the prior month. (So if lessons are starting in May, I'd be collecting full tuition for the month during the last week of April.)
Policy for Missed Lessons
I am happy to work with you to schedule a make up lesson, but I do NOT refund for missed lessons.
Where Are You Located?
I do offer lessons in person as well as virtual.
I am located in Saint Petersburg, FL and currently teach out of my home.
I also teach at Creative Keys in Dunedin. I rent space
there on the weekends.
How Much Should I Practice?
Obviously, the more you can practice the better. But I understand that there are other interests that the student may have. What I usually tell people is that if you can practice even just 5-10 minutes every day, it is better than nothing.
For beginners, 10-15 minutes is probably enough. As you begin to advance, I would suggest at least the length of your lesson time.
PRIVATE LESSONS
I am available to teach in person at my home in St Petersburg (there are pets in the home, but I will keep them locked up in another room during the lesson!)
I am also available to teach virtually. I use a platform called Musicology, but I can also teach via Facetime, Google Duo and Zoom (audio is much better with Musicology though, so this is what I prefer to use).
Thanks to COVID, I have found that virtual lessons are just as effective as in person ones. I don't feel that one is better than the other, and even younger kids can be successful with virtual lessons. So as long as you have a quiet spot to have your lesson, with a reliable internet connection, you should be all set!
TEACHING STYLE
Each student has a different way of learning, a different personality, and different comfort levels. All of these combined will help shape the way I teach.
This is why I can easily teach a 5 year old, as well as an adult. 5 years old or 50, anybody can learn. It's never too late!
I do often use the Suzuki books to start. I often supplement with another book for younger kids (ages 4-7) that is geared towards those younger kids. I do not teach strict Suzuki Method, although I can if requested.
But every student learns differently. So The first month of lessons will really help to decide how we go forward. Maybe it is with Suzuki books, or maybe it is with other material altogether. Together, we will figure out what is best for that particular student.
And yes, I have experience working with anybody on the spectrum. Chat with me about any specific questions or concerns!
ViolinAlly - music lessons for the curious, the serious, and the unsure violin, viola, or voice enthusiast
If you are interested, please fill out the form below.