• "Caroline is a wonderful teacher. Her strength in classical violin playing is broadened by her deep appreciation of all types of music genres and her teaching style is warm and down to earth. Working with Caroline has strengthened my playing and improved my technique and I would recommend her highly to anyone interested in learning or improving at the violin."

    — Adult Student, Ruth F.

  • "Caroline is an incredibly talented, patient and understanding violin teacher. We appreciate how she creates a fun and supportive learning environment where our daughter Cassidy feels comfortable making mistakes and growing. Caroline has a great way of teaching the technicalities of the violin and music as well."

    — Parent of a middle school student

  • "Caroline has rekindled my daughter's joy in playing her violin. She made a connection with her on the first lesson and the results have been really great. Caroline has not only helped her playing but also explains music theory to her in a completely understandable and applicable way."

    — Parent of a high school student

  • "The past year of lessons has been amazing. Faye is now playing the violin and her confidence around it grows daily. She is mostly motivated to practice and her technique is great for a 6 yr old. She gives little violin performances to visitors and seems motivated to continue to learn. I love the practice guides and notes. Today she told me she was excited to practice after school. Faye has had a roller coaster with her motivation and your patience has been invaluable. Thanks for a great year."

    — Parent of a Kindergartner

  • "In the time I have spent learning from Caroline so far, I have really enjoyed and gotten so much out of my lessons! Caroline is a very knowledgeable teacher who’s keen observations and clear explanations are very helpful. I’m so excited to keep learning from her!"

    — Adult student, Ellie M.

  • "Best violin teacher ever!! My 9 year old daughter has been taking violin lessons with Caroline for almost a year, and I couldn’t be happier with her progress! Violin is a challenging instrument to learn, but Caroline is incredibly patient and skilled always tailoring lessons to suit my daughter’s learning style and pace. Caroline has a deep understanding of technique and music theory, and she communicates complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. If you’re looking for a violin teacher who genuinely cares about your growth and makes each lesson fun and enjoyable, I highly recommend Caroline!!"

    — Parent of a 3rd grader

  • "Lessons with you have been very educational and an awesome experience. I have expanded my violin skills and my musical ability as well. I prepared through a piece of music for NYSSMA which I performed both in front of a NYSSMA adjudicator and at a recital. I really look forward to more lessons in the coming school year! thanks, Caroline, for all the work

    — High school student

As a teacher, my most central goal is to help guide you in developing a meaningful, mindful, and loving relationship with becoming/being a skilled violinist.

Having started studying violin classically at age 10, I was never the child prodigy or "naturally gifted" student that had always been mythologized in the classical world. Despite this, I felt an affirmative calling to be a musician, and totally fell in love with the violin. Understanding and developing on effective strategies for learning, practicing, listening, and studying as efficiently and intelligently as possible has been the bedrock of my career as a violinist. This pursuit is also the fundamental foundation of my work with each and every one of my students.

I have 10+ years of experience teaching students from kindergartners to retirees, both in-person and online. My students currently include adults who are totally brand new to making music, children I’ve started on the instrument as young as 4 years old, advanced high school students, experienced musicians looking to gain a basic set-up and understanding on strings/fiddle, adults who are finding their way back to the instrument after many years away, and so many other scenarios in between.

At the center of my teaching is the conviction that comfort and efficiency are achievable for every student — physically and mentally — at every level. I work to build technique and musical capability around four core tenets of: body mapping, optimized practice strategies, ear training, and historically/traditionally informed musicality.

Interested in lessons? I’d love to hear from you!

Virtual and in-person options are both welcome and available.

I teach in a flexible structure to best accommodate student needs by:

  • Long standing weekly or bi-weekly lessons

  • Seasonal/shorter series of lessons

  • As-needed coaching work on a specific technique, tune/piece, or project.

I give in-person lessons in New York City (Sunday-Wednesday) and from my studio based in Rhinebeck, NY (Thursday-Friday).

Please see my studio policy document below for more information on my teaching practice: