Dr. Paul Seitz received his D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (with a doctoral minor in String Pedagogy, studying with Janet Jensen), where he also completed the M. M. degree in Music Theory. He received his M. A. from Columbia University, in Gifted Education/Music, in a program that combined study of cognition, composition and practice teaching at the High School of Music and Art. He has studied viola with Lee Coker (Ph.D., viola, Juilliard School), Diedre Buckley (D.M.A., viola, University of Wisconsin) and participated in Master Classes and chamber music coachings with Kato Havas. He has also studied string pedagogy with Marvin Rabin, George Bornoff, and Kato Havas. Dr. Seitz has performed as a member of the Pine Mountain Music Festival Symphony Orchestra and as soloist, particularly in connection with new music for viola and works as a free lance violist in Las Vegas. In July, 2006, Dr. Seitz was a panelist and performer in the Marvin Rabin String Pedagogy Symposium, at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Seitz has taught string orchestra students in the Katonah-Lewisboro (NY), Briarcliff Manor (NY) and Oregon (WI) School Districts, and string pedagogy at the National String Workshop of the University of Wisconsin since 1997. In Las Vegas, he has served as viola coach at the Las Vegas Academy for the Performing Arts and has been a member of the music faculty at UNLV since 2002. In 2003, Dr. Seitz gave an In Service clinic for the string orchestra teachers of the Clark County School District on the benefits of incorporating original notated composition into early instrumental lessons. As a composer, his published music for string students is included on state contest lists throughout the US. His music has also been performed by many Honors orchestras, including the All State Orchestras of Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, North Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Nevada, Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin and Georgia in the years 1999-2005, as well as by many professional artists and ensembles.
Preparation: Students are expected to arrive early and bring all lesson materials, including a pencil and a notebook, to each lesson. Always play with clean hands and trimmed nails.
Practice: Everyday practicing/playing is ideal but often difficult to attain because music students are generally very active people with busy schedules. At first, make sure you get the instrument out of the case every day and practice for some amount of time. Practicing several times a week for a shorter interval rather than fewer times for a longer period is more beneficial. And getting in the habit of practicing with a particular focus is an important goal. As Yogi Berra almost said, "Music is 90% mental and the other half is physical." Develop a routine and good habits will soon form. For example, schedule practice daily as a way to unwind from school, or before or after dinner. This will keep the instrument and the student in good running condition.
Parents: Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the lesson and take notes. This is of particular importance for young beginners. Siblings may attend the lessons provided they are quiet and do not disturb the lesson. Music learning sometimes can be frustrating when a student deals with multiple concepts, coordination, and practicing. While it is the teacher's duty to provide the student with the materials and knowledge for successful learning, it is the responsibility of parents to facilitate practicing at home. Parental encouragement is an absolute must. Please provide a quiet, distraction-free practice environment and a positive atmosphere.
Payment policies: Payment for the entire month (approx. 4 lessons) is due at the last scheduled lesson of the previous month. For example, payment for the month of October is due at the last lesson in September. You will receive an invoice letting you know the amount due. Please make checks payable to Paul Seitz. If a student needs to cancel or reschedule a lesson, he/she is required to notify the teacher as soon as possible. Lessons that are not canceled more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson time may receive no payment credit. This includes "no-shows." Exceptions to these policies are rare, but include illness, inclement weather, and family emergencies.
Miscellaneous: Termination of lessons should coincide with the end of a month, as there will be no payment credit for unused lessons. Please provide at least a two-week advance notification for discontinuation of lessons. Exceptions to the above policies can be made only in the case of agreement between the teacher and parent/student.
Return to HOME PAGE