Meghan Williams Music Private Studio

Learning • Optimism • Achievement

Does the thought of attending a music lesson make you nervous? Maybe lessons were stressful for you growing up. Or maybe you never learned an instrument, and you’re trying to figure out the right musical path for your child. I completely understand, and as I developed my studio, I wanted it to be a place where:

  • All would feel welcome

  • Every part of the student’s life would be celebrated—not just their accomplishments in classical music, but their soccer goals, their love of rock & roll, their science fair wins

  • Clarity and transparency would be coupled with understanding and optimism—with regards to the ever-changing music world and the ever-changing world of a child

Hi, I’m Meghan. I’m a violinist who performs with top New York City orchestras such as the New York Pops, American Composers Orchestra, and American Ballet Theatre. So I know exactly what it takes to make it as a musician in terms of commitment, time, and technique. (Click here to read my full bio!) I also know that it’s possible to pursue music while honoring your whole self.

A Customized and Compassionate Pedagogy

Through my strong liberal arts background, studies in psychology, and respect for the physicality of playing an instrument, I cultivate a studio characterized by exploration and joy.

What does this look like in practice? Click the descriptions below for some examples!

  • For example, when learning how to hold the bow, I help my students come up with a story in which each finger represents a different person and place in their life.

  • I often use concepts from physical activities (sports, gymnastics) to help students with their set up and stance. As students get older, I’ll suggest science projects related to the physics of the violin, recommend studying music that’s related to literature, and more!

  • From the beginning, students can play along with songs of all genres, learning the root notes of the chords. As they progress, they can learn the melodies or even the actual violin tracks, as if they were playing with the band!

Through such personalized learning, students develop confidence, care, focus, and passion. Their lessons not only are a source of musical growth, but also help to improve skills in math and reasoning, cultural and historical awareness, problem solving, creativity, and more!

Interested in studying with me?

Before a performance with a long-term student at her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops at age 13

Student accomplishments

My students have been accepted into specialized schools and renowned degree programs at every level, including:

  • Mark Twain Intermediate School For the Gifted And Talented

  • Edward R. Murrow High School Music Institute

  • Berklee College of Music

  • Columbia University

  • New York University

  • University of London

For summer study, they have been accepted to and received full scholarships for celebrated festivals, such as:

  • National Orchestral Institute

  • National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute

  • National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America

  • Texas Music Festival

  • Bowdoin International Music Festival

  • French Woods Festival

  • Kinhaven Music School

  • Ithaca Suzuki Institute

In addition, my students have won auditions for:

  • The New York Pops Kids on Stage program, receiving the opportunity to perform with the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall

  • New Jersey Region 1 Orchestra

My young students also consistently receive outstanding NYSSMA scores, and many of my college students have received job offers in music performance and education prior to graduation.

FAQ

  • My private studio is located in Jersey City, NJ. I also offer virtual lessons for those who live outside of the greater New York City area and have already taken in-person lessons for at least 2 years.

  • I teach students of all levels, from the first lessons through graduate music students, professionals, and everything in between.

  • You can start at any age! I work with students as young as 3-years-old, and it’s wonderful to begin lessons anytime in the pre-K or early elementary years. But this shouldn’t discourage students from starting when they are older. I have had beginner students at ages 8, 13, 18, 40, etc., and they have all had wonderful musical journeys!

  • Yes, I certainly take transfer students. Whenever a student is transferring from one studio to another, I prefer for there to be as much communication as possible among all parties. I believe that we’re all colleagues working together, hoping for the best possible path for each student.

  • I have taught many students who have taken breaks in their musical journeys. It’s always beautiful to get reacquainted with your instrument, and I’d be happy to help you with that!

  • Every January and June, my students have the opportunity to perform in studio recitals that I organize. Many of my students also opt to perform in their school and camp talent shows, and I always encourage this and help with those preparations.

  • My younger students are eligible to participate in Bow & Heart, and as they advance, I support them in auditioning for various orchestral opportunities. Besides orchestras offered within their schools, my students have been members of the Third Street Saturday Orchestras, Interschool Orchestras of New York, New Jersey Region 1 Orchestra, Broadway Bach Ensemble, and more.

  • If you are interested in joining my studio, we will schedule 3 initial lessons for you to consider fully joining the studio. Lessons are scheduled on a semesterly basis: 17 lessons in the fall and 17 in the spring, with an 18th week designated for a make up or bonus lesson each semester. Every student has a regular weekly time, but before each semester starts, families have the opportunity to comment on their schedule and collaborate with me on adjustments as necessary and reasonable. Summer lesson packages are discussed and arranged individually.

    Lessons take place once a week, starting at 30 minutes per lesson for beginners. Students should expect to increase to 45-minute lessons after 2-3 years of study and to 60-minute lessons after 3-5 years of study, depending on the age at which they started and their goals. I also offer weekly practice check-ins, customized to each student’s needs.

  • I do not offer lessons scheduled on a week-to-week basis. At all levels, consistency is paramount. My collaborative scheduling process accounts for anticipated irregularities, and I understand if there are some weeks during which students are not able to practice as much as usual. It happens to all of us!

    There may be circumstances in which I would consider working with a student for less than a full semester, e.g., a college student who is home on break or an experienced violinist looking for help with auditions or other specific goals. If you think that you fall into this category, please send me an email, and I’m happy to discuss your situation!

  • Invoices for the fall and spring are sent for each student in August and January with the option to pay once per semester or 3 times per semester. Invoices for summer lesson packages are sent in June.

  • I offer select need-based scholarships through MusicLink Foundation. Please see their website for more information and nomination forms.

  • I take on select beginner piano students every year, including those who want to study both violin and piano. If you think that this might be the right fit for you, I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Ready to join the studio?