Violin and Viola Lessons with Lorenzo
In-Person in South Philadelphia and Online via Zoom
If You Are A...
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Beginning Learner
Start off right! I can help you get to know your instrument, learn the basics of making a good sound, train your ear and sense of rhythm, learn to read music, instill a healthy practice habit, and build a solid foundation for playing the violin and viola.
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Intermediate Student
Take your playing to the next level! I can help you learn new, more advanced techniques, build on your repertoire, make your practice more effective, and gain expressiveness and confidence in performance.
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Advanced Player
Be the best violinist you can be! Together we'll explore more creative and engaging music-making, refine your technique, and achieve success in preparing for orchestra and college auditions, competitions, and recitals.
Why I Teach
Duet with Jason
Love of Music, Joy in Teaching
My love for music and the violin and viola extends beyond my own playing. As a teacher for over twenty years, it gives me great joy to impart my knowledge and experience. The opportunity to help my students grow in their musical journey is something that greatly excites me. I am also a strong advocate for the importance of music education, and the value of having music in our lives.
Passing on the Legacy
I was fortunate to have my teachers instill in me the ideals of artistry and excellence as they guided me at the start of my musical career. As a teacher it is my responsibility to teach my students - and pass on my teachers' legacy - with the same care, kindness, patience, discipline and encouragement that they had for me.
How I Teach
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Central to the study of the violin and viola is learning how to produce a beautiful tone. String instruments are singing instruments, closely modeled after the human voice in its ability to convey emotion, character and meaning. If you have a desire to learn the violin or viola, chances are this is what drew you to the instrument.
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I help the pupil learn the violin or viola while encouraging a sound and efficient use of the body. Through the study of scales, exercises, etudes and repertoire I guide the student in building a solid foundation of technique that will allow them to have freedom and confidence in their playing.
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I select and tailor the material to the student's individual needs and abilities, employing a wide variety of methods and repertoire from the traditional literature, to the popular Suzuki and the newer Sassmannshaus methods.
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In addition to playing the instrument, topics in music reading, harmony, rhythm and form are covered in the lessons. This gives the student a firm background in music theory that will give them a greater understanding and appreciation of their music.
I help cultivate the student's love for music by encouraging them to listen to audio and video recordings of the masters, old and new.
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I help the student develop a disciplined, yet varied and imaginative way of practicing. Most of all, I make sure playing the violin or viola is rewarding and fun!
Exploring bow direction with Olivia
Student Accomplishments
Lorenzo’s students have gone on to achieve success in competitions, youth orchestras, and entry to collegiate music programs, including:
Harvard University
Temple University
University of Delaware
Duquesne University
Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
Philadelphia Sinfonia
Youth Orchestra of Bucks County
Montgomery County Youth Orchestra
New Jersey All State Orchestra
PMEA District Orchestra
Philadelphia All City Orchestra
Charleston International Music Competition
Tri-County Music Competition
National Music Competition for Young Artists
Testimonials
“Mr. Raval has a special gift for teaching with encouragement, high standards, and clear instruction that inspire his students to achieve. He is very professional, kind and warm. He taught our daughter for 5 1/2 years and is a terrific role model even beyond violin lessons. We recommend him highly and without reservation!”
— Jennifer P.
“Thank you for helping me fall in love with the violin.”
— Olivia G.
“Mr. Raval is an attentive, skilled, and caring teacher. He was exceptional with my daughter, who is new to violin. He worked to develop precise technic and posture, as well as encouraged her and helped her fine-tune pieces for school orchestra. His love and professional skill on the violin transfers into his teaching, and he would be an amazing choice as a teacher for new students and advanced students alike..”
— Brittanie S.
