FAQ:

how long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching violin lesson professionally since 2012. I’m experienced in teaching private lessons, preparing students for orchestra auditions like MCYO, college auditions for high school students. I have also taught masterclasses at music schools like an improvisation class at the Peabody Prep, and provided chamber music coachings to Harvard QUAD, NEC prep, and Kneisel Hall adult session students.

What PreCautions are you taking for COVID-19? where can I take violin lessons?

I am taking COVID-19 very seriously. Now that MD is doing better, with some movie theaters and restaurants opening up, I plan to follow the state recommendations. Here are a few important points that I am following:

• Online lessons are offered.

• In person lessons will take place in my new studio, which will be opened early to mid November. There is enough space to stay more than 10ft apart.

• Teacher will avoid coming near the student for instructions, unless the parent or adult student waives that option at their responsibility. Masks will still be worn at all times.

• Student and teacher will wear masks throughout the entire lesson.

• Teaching area around the student will be cleaned and disinfected before and after the lesson.

• Student and teacher will sanitize their hands before, after, and if needed during the lesson.

• Have suggestions or ideas? Please contact me and I’d be happy to hear from you.

What advice would you give a PARENT OR STUDENT looking FOR A NEW TEACHER?

It's very important to have someone that can teach you the correct methods from he beginning. It's much harder to fix wrong playing methods instead of starting fresh with correct instructions.

Also, the teacher student relationship is very important, I always keep my lessons interactive, respectful, and treat each student differently. Because every student has their own needs and personalities, and I believe it’s the teacher’s job to communicate with the student. This is why I give a free trial meting to see if I will match well with my students, don't hesitate to reach out!

How do you work with new students?

I remember when I helped a 6 year old start the violin from scratch, and not too long after, she was able to play happy birthday to her grandparents and even on her own birthday. In that case, we started everything from scratch. In other cases, I have taught adult students, or high school students that needed help preparing for their upcoming auditions. I do my best to adapt to the student's playing and teach accordingly. I find joy in helping students achieve their goals. I always aim for high quality, but also make the process fun. If the goal is to sound professional, I make sure we spend a good amount of time working on scales, etudes, and learning the essential classical music like the Bach six Sonatas and Partitas. I like the Galamian violin playing methods, and find them very effective to teach. I do this with almost all levels of students, as it solidifies the technical skills of a performer, allowing them to express themselves musically. If a student is technically well set up, I don't necessarily want to change their technique. That way we can focus on musical ideas and work on taking the playing to the next level, without having to start from scratch. However, I do always make sure that they are not doing movements that get in their way of making a beautiful sound or playing technically challenging passages.

ARE YOU CERTIFIED AND WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE?

Having a Master of Music degree from NEC, Malkastian’s teaching experience since 2014 includes teaching violin privately in the Maryland and DC areas, coaching Harvard and NEC preparatory chamber groups through the QUAD program. In addition, he has attended the Juilliard Symposium on Violin studies, taught a masterclass at the Peabody Preparatory on improvisation, as well as taken pedagogy courses at the University of Maryland, where he completed his Bachelor of Music in violin performance.

"All my recent professional experiences have led me to the person and teacher I am today. I’ve taken pedagogy classes at the University of Maryland, where I learned how to teach students of different ages and abilities. I also studied different methods of teaching such as “Suzuki”, and the techniques of the great pedagogue Ivan Galamian by reading his book “Principles of Violin playing and teaching.” One of my teaching highlights was giving a masterclass on improvisation at the Peobody prep program to students of Rebecca Henry. However, I felt that my education wasn’t enough to give me the experience I needed, so I went on to expand my knowledge in teaching even further. I attended seminars such as the Juilliard Starling DeLay Symposium on violin studies where I boosted my professional teaching skills under the instruction of world class musicians. I also attended the prestigious Kneisel Hall program as a guest young artist, where I played along and coached adult students for two weeks. Most recently, I participated in an educational outreach program with the Chameleon Arts Ensemble of Boston, where I played chamber music and introduced the violin to young students from different schools in the area.”

Malkastian was also appointed as Assistant to Music Director and Audition Pre-Screener to NPR’s “From the Top” from 2018 to 2020. During this time, he critically listened to performance tapes and reviewed applications of musicians of all instruments under the age of 18. He helped the music director in following up with talented young musicians, choosing performers, and programming pieces for the live radio shows.

“So, if you're interested in violin lessons, don't hesitate to contact me for more details or questions, looking forward to hear from you!"

What ages of STUDENTS have you worked with?

I've helped students who auditioned to orchestras like the MCYO, as well as music schools like UMD and Peabody. My students have ranged from 4 year olds to adults.

What should I know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Fourth lesson of the month is free! Only applicable when you complete for 4 consistent lessons within one month. This is encouraged for best results, and still comes with free access to a professional audio/video recording studio and career advising for serious students.

Other Music Scholarships might be available for talented and ambitious young students who struggle financially, contact for details.

My rate is $100/hour otherwise. Other discounts might be available for referrals.

What areas/locations do you teach at?

I am a violin teacher in Maryland, and mainly teach from my violin studio in Germantown and Gaithersburg. I also offer violin lessons in Rockville, North Potomac, Bethesda, Kentlands, Silver Spring, Columbia, etc. I do charge extra traveling fees for students not having lessons in my studio, and there is only limited availability for violin lessons in your home.

Additionally, online violin lessons are also an alternative for students outside of Maryland, or for students that live far away, but these are also with limited availability. In person lessons in my studio are strongly encouraged for best results.