Gregory Tompkins
About
With 20 years of professional pedagogical and performing experience, I am excited to meet you and get to know your artistic goals and aspirations!
I am a member of Hartford Symphony, Portland Symphony, Cape Cod Symphony and the New Haven Symphony Orchestras, as well as an experienced chamber musician with over a decade of experience as a former member of the Haven String Quartet.
My students have been consistently represented in their All-State orchestras, and graduating seniors have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as the Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, the Hartt School and Ithaca College.
I hold a Master of Music degree in violin performance from New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music.
Teaching Style
Music and art are truly some of the great joys of life and I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in them. I work together with each student on cultivating the joyful consistency found in visiting the laboratory of daily practice.
I teach violin and viola students of all ages and levels. I love finding new solutions for all students to be able to reach their fullest potential. In addition to private lessons, I also offer coaching for chamber ensembles of up to six musicians.
Testimonials
“Gregory’s patience, energy, creativity, and passion for teaching took my son from tiny beginner who couldn’t keep music in a folder to acceptances to multiple top conservatories.”
- M. J., parent of student
“Gregory is a very experienced teacher for all levels of violin playing. He is kind and also technically rigorous with his students.”
- E. S., adult student
Curriculum
For younger/newer students, my pedagogy is rooted in the Suzuki method with additional materials for scales, etudes, and sight reading practice.
Credentials & Affiliations
Teaching Experience
Twenty years of teaching experience working with students of all ages in a variety of settings. Students have been selected for CMEA Region and All-State orchestras and have participated in summer programs such as the Sphinx Summer Academy, Castleman Quartet Program, LA Philharmonic National Take A Stand Festival, and Point Counterpoint. Graduating High School Seniors have been offered admission to institutions such as New England Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, Ithaca College, the Hartt School, and St. Olaf College.
Point CounterPoint Summer Camp, Violin Faculty Member, Salisbury, VT (2019 - present)
Private Violin & Viola Studio Teacher (2006 - present)
Instructor of Violin and Viola, CT State Community College - Gateway Campus
New Haven, CT (2024 - 2026)
Music Haven Inc., New Haven, CT (2013 - 2024)
Education
MM, Violin Performance, New England Conservatory
BM, Violin Performance, Eastman School of Music
BA, Psychology, University of Rochester
Additional Pedagogical Training
Suzuki Every Child Can and Book 1 Training at Virginia Suzuki Institute
Suzuki Online Training Seminar - Establishing The Bow Arm in Book 1
Suzuki Online Training Seminar - Revisiting Book 1 with James Hutchins
