New York City Violin Teachers

Antoine Thouvenin

Born in Nîmes (France), Antoine starts his musical studies at age 5 with the violin in the class of Jacques Nottelet before starting horn lessons at 8 in the class of Guy Durand. He successively graduated in Montpellier Conservatoire, in the violin class of Marie-Laurence Rocca and the horn class of Olivier Brouard.

His stammering with Jazz universe started at that period with the horn, when he integrated the Jazz department of Montpellier Conservatoire with François Thébèrge, Peter Giron and Pierre de Bethmann among others. He left afterwards for Switzerland in 2000 to work with Gregory Cass at the Haute Ecole de Musique of Geneva (HEM) before entering the class of Claudio Pontiggia in Fribourg to enhance his Jazz skills and start the guitar under the guidance of Francis Coletta.

From 2007 to 2008, he followed the Vorkurs curses of the Bern Swiss Jazz School (SJS) before leaving to Geneva to progress at the very heart of the Jazz school-association of the A.M.R. Encountered with artists such as Maurice Magnoni, Nicolas Masson, Vinz Vonlanthen, and Christian Graff enriched his musical path.

He graduated Bachelor cum laude in June 2013 both in music pedagogy and guitar.

In 2015, Antoine moved to New York to study at Queens College in Michael Mossman, Antonio Hart and David Berkman's classes where he graduated in May 2017.

Alongside his studies, Antoine has over 15 years of professional musical experience as a music educator, performer, author and composer/arranger. He taught for two years at the Montreux Jazz music school as private guitar teacher, at the E.P.I Geneva as ensemble teacher and at the "A.M.R/Conservatory Jazz club". He also taught for one year in an after school music program at the "Centre des Loisirs de Marignac" before moving to New York.

Currently teaching as private instructor Guitar/Violin through the Brooklyn based school "Music_on_the_Go", he recently joined "the Harmony after school program" of the CUNY of New York as violin teacher. Through this program, Antoine is mastering his pedagogical skills with training formation, seminaries and workshops such as the Suzuki method and with the guidance of Nancy Shamkman, former Director of Music for the New York City Public Schools.

Kiho Yukata

Kiho is a professional violinist/violist, based in New York city for over 5 years. Her classical training began at the age of 3 and played in numerous youth orchestras, chamber groups, solos and competitions all through out her childhood. 

Upon enrolling at Berklee College of Music, Kiho obtained jazz training, improvisation and other contemporary technique to widen her musical vocabulary and bring herself to become a versatile player. Kiho's teaching career started largely during this time as well, as she was employed as a tutor at Berklee, due to her outstanding GPA to help other students with core music classes including Tonal&Jazz Harmony, Ear Training and Conducting.

After obtaining her bachelor's degree Kiho moved to New York and has played at acclaimed venues such as John F. Kennedy Center, Beacon Theater, Lincoln Center, etc. with various artists of all genres. She has taught over 50 students of all ages and creates worksheets and study materials on her own to help her students achieve their own goals. Her classes can range from meticulous preparation for NYSSMA, ABRSM and Trinity examinations/competitions to fun Jazz improvisational classes. 

Marina Kamen

Marina was an original aerobic instructor at Body Design by Gilda in 1980 and trained at The American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Alley, Luigi's, The Manhattan School of Music. Marina also trained in Musical Theatre with Helen Gallagher, Albert Hague & Rita Gardner. She's been married for 35 years to her husband and partner Roy Kamen where they have co owned Kamen and Entertainment Group, Inc. servicing the television, theatrical, dance, music and advertising communities.

Marina is also a Certified Fitness Expert residing in Manhattan. Marina Kamen aka MARINA has lost 100 pounds and comes with over 35 years in the Voice/Theatre/Dance/Fitness/Violin & Music Industries. She is a Certified Fitness Trainer, multi Instrumentalist, Director, Choreographer & Grammy Nominated Recording Artist. Also the 1st recipient of the first People's Choice Award for Podcasting she has been featured in publications including Prevention Magazine, Woman's World & Family Circle Magazine. 

Her extensive background includes numerous Children's Television appearances along with The Discovery Health Network, PBS, Noggin', WPIX TV & with Tyra Banks. She has worked with Celebrities including Liza Minnelli, Patti Labelle and Britney Spears. 

Yelena Kiseleva

Yelena Kiseleva is a piano and violin instructor from Portland, Oregon who moved to New York City in June 2018 to pursue further music opportunities. She began to play the piano at age 5 and with the ability to read sheet music began to play the violin in 5th grade and played throughout high school. 

Yelena received her Bachelors of Arts degree from Portland State University in June 2010 and taught private and group piano lessons throughout Portland, OR to various ages and skill levels. She has been the church choir piano player for 8 years and enjoys exposing students to music theory, improvisation and the various eras in music history as well as teaching students how to play songs they enjoy and love. In addition, Yelena teaches students how to play and read sheet music and to play most classical songs. With this, each student is tested on his/her ability to read notes. 

Students studying classical repertoire with Yelena receive a practice summary and check line at the end of each lesson with a summary of topics covered during the session along with a list of exercises to practice at home. This goal-oriented approach is incorporated in order to assess progress and to improve student's performance. If a student is interested in learning notes and classic music, sheet music will be provided with the intent to practice before the next session.

Spencer Rudolph

Spencer Rudolph studied music performance at the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music, earning his B.A. in 2013. A classically trained string player, Spencer started playing violin at age four, later learning viola, cello, piano and guitar.

Since graduating from SUNY Purchase, Spencer has composed original scores, performed in a wide range of musical venues and taught private as well as small group lessons to students of all ages. Spencer enjoys teaching students of all levels and ages but particularly excels in working with young students with learning differences. Believing that a passion for music lies within all of us, Spencer explores each student's interests, creating individualized lesson plans that might include anything from a discussion of complex music theory concepts to a rendition of Darth Vader's Theme Song.