About
My name is Amos Fayette and I can't wait to meet you. Whether you are an adult beginner, a college-bound aspiring professional, or just an enthusiast of any age, I want to help you achieve your musical dreams. A little about me...
I am a graduate of the famed Juilliard School in New York, a former fellow of the New World Symphony, and have held faculty appointments at several schools and preparatory programs in the United States. I've also spent time teaching in Colombia, toured South America and Asia, and now call Cleveland home where I devote a majority of my time to teaching students just like you.
I have a few things that I think are important when music lessons. To begin, I believe it is important for a teacher to empower their students to work independently, so helping my students put together an easy-to-follow practice plan, complete with problem-solving skills, is something I do with all of my students. You'll never guess what you need to do, how long you need to practice, or wonder how to fill time; it will all be simple, organized, and clearly explained. Second, students should be able to play music that is exciting to them! Therefore, while I will always encourage students to use their music lesson book every day, every student I have is also given a choice of what song to learn alongside. If a version exists in print, we'll use that. If not, I'll arrange it. And finally, music should never be a chore. Music exists for the singular purpose of making life better, and music lessons only help us enjoy more music. I work with all of my students to make sure that not only are they making progress but that they are enjoying the process of learning. If you have questions, write me today, and we can set up a complimentary 15-minute session!
BM, Peabody Institute of Music, Violin Performance, Class of 2008
MM, The Juilliard School, Violin Performance, Class of 2016
New World Symphony Fellow, 2011-2014
For most beginners with no experience whatsoever, I recommend String Builder and Essential Elements. The way these texts methodically introduce different aspects of musical learning is simple, easy to understand, and leaves little to the imagination and the examples given are short and sweet. However, for those who already have a book they like, I'll work with just about any method book you have. The important thing is that you're playing and enjoying the experience!
One thing I do like for my students to be aware of is the book I have personally written on the subject of practicing. This book is called Practice 101 and is available on Amazon via the link below:
This book will give you a good view of what to expect from me with regard to a major part of lessons. I hope it works for you.