1^st lesson free

Svetlana

5 (6 reviews)

Rate ₱5,644
Response 1h

5 (6 reviews)

₱5,644/h

1^st lesson free

Violin
Viola

Dr. Lana (Svetlana) Tsivinskaya is a concert violinist, violist, recording artist, and dedicated educator of more than 20 years offers university-level violin & viola lessons to serious students of wi

Violin
Viola

Lesson location

- online

About Svetlana

Dr. Lana (Svetlana) Tsivinskaya is an acclaimed concert violinist, violist, recording artist, and dedicated educator whose career spans over two decades of orchestral leadership, soloist appearances, and university-level pedagogy.

Her professional musical journey began at age six at the renowned Music School #11 for professionally oriented children in Saint Petersburg, Russia, followed by piano studies at age eight. She went on to earn her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov Music College and the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in Saint Petersburg. There, she completed rigorous, globally recognized training in violin performance, violin and viola pedagogy, chamber music, and orchestral performance, alongside elite instruction in music theory, history, and ear training. She further advanced her studies in the United States, earning a Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Violin Performance from Michigan State University, where she also pursued extensive graduate-level studies in viola.

A versatile and distinguished orchestral musician, Dr. Tsivinskaya served for several years as Concertmaster of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra. Her extensive performance resume features engagements with prestigious ensembles across the region, including the Detroit Opera House Orchestra and the Flint Symphony Orchestra. As a featured soloist, she has performed cornerstone works of the violin repertoire, including Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Romance in F major with the Livonia Symphony Orchestra. A passionate advocate for contemporary composition, she co-pioneered Lee Actor’s Violin Concerto, performing the work with both the Mason Symphony Orchestra and the Livingston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro David Schultz.

As a recording artist, Dr. Tsivinskaya released the critically praised album Schumann’s Enigma on the esteemed Blue Griffin Recording label, which is currently available across all major streaming platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. Additional video and audio recording projects can be found on her official YouTube channel (concealed information)

Alongside her performing career, Dr. Tsivinskaya is a master teacher with over 20 years of violin teaching experience—including past faculty service at Schoolcraft College—and more than 10 years of dedicated viola instruction. At her own Strings Art Studio, she takes a holistic, detail-oriented approach to string pedagogy, addressing everything from musical growth to biomechanics and personalized equipment selection, such as custom chinrests and shoulder rests. Her rigorous instruction has yielded exceptional outcomes: her students regularly earn competitive music scholarships and admissions to leading university music programs across Michigan, including MSU, WMU, Grand Valley, EMU, and CMU. Younger students consistently win youth competition prizes and secure seats in prestigious ensembles like the Detroit Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Links of Dr. Lana's performing projects published on Youtube:
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About the lesson

Strings Art Studio | Dr. Lana (Svetlana) TsivinskayaViolin & Viola Instruction | Online & In-Person

A Compassionate Philosophy of Mentorship

As a passionate mentor, I impart my extensive knowledge of the violin and viola through a deeply compassionate approach to every student. My journey as an acclaimed concert violinist, recording artist, and dedicated educator is built on rigorous daily discipline—a reality I know firsthand from earning my Doctorate in Violin Performance at Michigan State University, my tenure as Concertmaster of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, and the release of my album Schumann’s Enigma on Blue Griffin Records.

I channel this elite professional experience into my teaching, identifying the most effective ways to meet the individual needs of my students. Having navigated the profound demands of a performing career, I understand the internal dedication required to succeed at the highest levels. I guide my musicians with kindness, translating complex techniques into the patient, methodical mastery of incremental steps.

By blending my own rigorous professional disciplines with an empathetic pedagogical style, I ensure that students not only achieve technical and musical brilliance but also develop the healthy habits and resilient mindset of a true artist.

"The art and method of small steps lead to big leaps in sustainable growth."

My primary commitment as a pedagogue is meeting each student’s unique needs. I listen, observe, and analyze to devise an individualized plan for every musician who enters Strings Art Studio. I do not clone myself, nor do I ask students to copy me. Instead, I draw upon my vast library of knowledge to find the healthiest, most optimized path for your personal learning style and physical constitution.

My Motto: Musical = Technical = Physical + Mindful Analytics

Music is inherently technical, and technique is deeply physical. Performing arts demand that we use our bodies in the most complex, athletic, and dexterity-intensive ways. My role is to teach you how to honor your physical boundaries while healthily and wisely expanding your limits.

Comprehensive Pedagogical Focus
-Biomechanical Optimization: Analyzing arm and hand proportions, body constitution, posture, and endurance to build or rebuild a healthy, tension-free technique.
-Orthopedic & Equipment Solutions: Systematically testing and customizing chinrests, shoulder rests, and padding to achieve true comfort and instrument stability over the clavicular zone.
-Sound Production: Unlocking the physical laws behind a deep, beautiful, open, and noise-free sound.
-Psychophysiology & Stage Success: Equipping students with mental stamina, practice strategies, and performance-anxiety tools to transition from practice-room preparation to confident stage performance.
-Musical Logic & Pedagogy: Grounding artistry in music history, theory, and structural analysis so technique always serves the composer’s vision.

Defining Success: From Dreams to Step-by-Step Tasks
In my studio, we transform overwhelming problems into actionable, step-by-step tasks. Success looks different for every student, and all ambitious goals are honored here:
-Admissions & Auditions: Preparing for entrance into major university music schools, winning seats in competitive youth orchestras, or auditioning for professional ensembles.
-Stage & Competition Mastery: Preparing for Carnegie Hall galas, regional/national competitions, or major solo recitals.
-Injury Prevention & Technical Rehabilitation: Liberating oneself from crippling tension, fatigue, or discomfort by learning the natural laws of human anatomy.
-Beginners & Returning Musicians: Establishing a pristine foundational technique or returning to the instrument with renewed passion and clarity.

Our Studio Covenant
Learning at a high level is a collaborative journey.
When we agree to work together, we commit to the following principles:

What You Can Expect From Me

What You Can Expect From Me
Active Listening & Analysis: Understanding your unique physical and musical needs.
Tailored "Medicine": Regimen-based exercises and customized practice routines.
Honesty & Clarity: Transparent feedback so you always know what needs addressing and why.
Orthopedic Care: Methodical testing to find your ideal instrument setup.
Unwavering Support: A fair, kind, and inspiring guide through every stage challenge.

What I Ask From You
Inquisitiveness & Trust: A willingness to listen, try new methods, and ask questions.
Consistent Practice: Following step-by-step practice strategies outside the lesson.
Patience & Kindness: Being patient and gentle with yourself during complex learning.
Body Awareness: Paying attention to fitness, posture, and physical feedback.
Determination: Matching my commitment to reach the heights of your performing dreams.

Begin Your Journey

Whether you require long-term mentorship to build a professional career or short-term consulting to solve an urgent technical hurdle, Strings Art Studio provides the roadmap to help you find your star and reach it.

Prospective Student Process:

Video Submission: Prospective non-beginner students are asked to submit a 2–5 minute video link demonstrating full upper-body posture and right arm extension across all four strings.

Video Evaluation: We will meet for a 15-minute Zoom call to review your submitted video and discuss immediate observations.

Live Consultation: We will then schedule a 30-minute live playing consultation via Zoom to assess your playing in real-time, discuss your goals, and determine our path forward.

Love and know yourself—your body, your hands, your breath, and your unique artistic voice. I look forward to welcoming you to the studio on your journey of reaching your dreams with violin and viola performance!

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

L

Lynda

I met Lana while advocating for an orchestra program for the Northville School District outside the Post Office, and her enthusiasm for supporting music education immediately stood out. I later began studying with her and continued lessons for more than four years.

Learning with Lana feels like being under the guidance of someone who genuinely cares about both your musical growth and your well‑being. Her instruction is exceptional—clear, thoughtful, and rooted in deep expertise. She recommends repertoire that is both challenging and inspiring, and she approaches every lesson with patience and understanding.

One of the most meaningful gifts I received from her was the moment she placed a viola in my hands. That simple gesture opened an entirely new world for me, enriching my experience as both a violinist and now a violist. Lana’s ability to recognize a student’s potential and nurture it is truly remarkable.
Read more

L
Lynda
I met Lana while advocating for an orchestra program for the Northville School District outside the Post Office, and her enthusiasm for supporting music education immediately stood out. I later began studying with her and continued lessons for more than four years.

Learning with Lana feels like being under the guidance of someone who genuinely cares about both your musical growth and your well‑being. Her instruction is exceptional—clear, thoughtful, and rooted in deep expertise. She recommends repertoire that is both challenging and inspiring, and she approaches every lesson with patience and understanding.

One of the most meaningful gifts I received from her was the moment she placed a viola in my hands. That simple gesture opened an entirely new world for me, enriching my experience as both a violinist and now a violist. Lana’s ability to recognize a student’s potential and nurture it is truly remarkable.
N

Nobuko

Alicia studied violin with Ms. Lana for four years, starting with no prior experience and growing steadily toward an advanced level under her guidance. Those years were profoundly meaningful for Alicia. Ms. Lana taught with extraordinary attention to detail, genuine kindness, and a deep dedication that went far beyond instruction. She saw Alicia’s potential, nurtured her confidence, and helped her discover her own musical voice. The impact of her teaching remains with Alicia even now. We are truly grateful for the care, patience, and heartfelt commitment she brought to every lesson, and we remember our time with her with great affection and appreciation.
Read more

N
Nobuko
Alicia studied violin with Ms. Lana for four years, starting with no prior experience and growing steadily toward an advanced level under her guidance. Those years were profoundly meaningful for Alicia. Ms. Lana taught with extraordinary attention to detail, genuine kindness, and a deep dedication that went far beyond instruction. She saw Alicia’s potential, nurtured her confidence, and helped her discover her own musical voice. The impact of her teaching remains with Alicia even now. We are truly grateful for the care, patience, and heartfelt commitment she brought to every lesson, and we remember our time with her with great affection and appreciation.
P

Peter

Lana Tsivinskaya is an exceptional teacher and even more extraordinary person. My son took violin lessons from Lana for nearly a decade, and during that time his mother (my wife) was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and died 4 years later. Lana not only helped my son reach his best skills in violin, but was also a great support to Thomas, to me and to my late wife Susan.
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P
Peter
Lana Tsivinskaya is an exceptional teacher and even more extraordinary person. My son took violin lessons from Lana for nearly a decade, and during that time his mother (my wife) was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and died 4 years later. Lana not only helped my son reach his best skills in violin, but was also a great support to Thomas, to me and to my late wife Susan.
B

Bill

Lana is an exceptional artist and teacher. I'm a technical engineer and at the time was nearing my 40s. I felt like I had solidly mastered my trade and my brain needed something more. I was already a bit of a guitarist and a saxophonist in high school and college band.

As a long-time engineer, I am pretty good at sorting the wheat from the chaff when it comes to people's adeptness at their trade. I was concerned that I might feel a bit 'odd' as an adult beginning violinist, but Lana's pleasant manner immediately put me at ease, and she had other adult beginners as well.

Sometimes teachers tend to have the 'artist' part down pat but don't necessarily demonstrate mastery of the technical and practical sides of their trade. I found Lana to exude a mastery of the 'total package' and beyond. As an example, here are a couple of Lana's 'superpowers' that I found exceptionally useful:

1. Lana is a very strong diagnostician - Whether it's an issue with your posture, bow-arm, your sight reading, practice methods - doesn't matter. She has eyes like a hawk and can help you spot and correct issues you weren't even aware of!

2. Lana is exceptionally educated about and a fantastic purveyor of critical learnings relevant to building healthy habits that help students avoid repetitive stress injuries, etc. (Think Alexander Techniques, body mapping, the Grossman Method, etc.)

3. I could go on and on, but most importantly, I've known Lana as a teacher and later friend and will tell you that hands-down she is one of the very finest human beings that I've ever had the pleasure to know.

Thanks for the opportunity to share a bit about my experience with Lana!
Read more

B
Bill
Lana is an exceptional artist and teacher. I'm a technical engineer and at the time was nearing my 40s. I felt like I had solidly mastered my trade and my brain needed something more. I was already a bit of a guitarist and a saxophonist in high school and college band.

As a long-time engineer, I am pretty good at sorting the wheat from the chaff when it comes to people's adeptness at their trade. I was concerned that I might feel a bit 'odd' as an adult beginning violinist, but Lana's pleasant manner immediately put me at ease, and she had other adult beginners as well.

Sometimes teachers tend to have the 'artist' part down pat but don't necessarily demonstrate mastery of the technical and practical sides of their trade. I found Lana to exude a mastery of the 'total package' and beyond. As an example, here are a couple of Lana's 'superpowers' that I found exceptionally useful:

1. Lana is a very strong diagnostician - Whether it's an issue with your posture, bow-arm, your sight reading, practice methods - doesn't matter. She has eyes like a hawk and can help you spot and correct issues you weren't even aware of!

2. Lana is exceptionally educated about and a fantastic purveyor of critical learnings relevant to building healthy habits that help students avoid repetitive stress injuries, etc. (Think Alexander Techniques, body mapping, the Grossman Method, etc.)

3. I could go on and on, but most importantly, I've known Lana as a teacher and later friend and will tell you that hands-down she is one of the very finest human beings that I've ever had the pleasure to know.

Thanks for the opportunity to share a bit about my experience with Lana!
T

Thor S

Prof Tsivinskaya is an absolutely wonderful and motivating violin instructor. In addition, she’s a world class violinist who inspires her students with her electrifying performances. Highly recommended!
Read more

T
Thor S
Prof Tsivinskaya is an absolutely wonderful and motivating violin instructor. In addition, she’s a world class violinist who inspires her students with her electrifying performances. Highly recommended!
A

Andrew

I took violin lessons from Lana for about three years, and she was a great teacher. I improved significantly in both my technique and overall playing ability during that time. She held me to high standards and always knew what I needed to improve on and how to help me get there.

I especially appreciated hearing her play, listening to her stories, following her instruction, and learning from her advice. It was clear that she genuinely loved what she did and cared about helping her students improve. She not only helped me become a better violinist but also taught me valuable lessons about discipline, confidence, and continual improvement.

If you are serious about improving at violin or viola and are willing to put in the work, I would definitely recommend Lana. She is a knowledgeable, skilled, and effective instructor.
Read more

A
Andrew
I took violin lessons from Lana for about three years, and she was a great teacher. I improved significantly in both my technique and overall playing ability during that time. She held me to high standards and always knew what I needed to improve on and how to help me get there.

I especially appreciated hearing her play, listening to her stories, following her instruction, and learning from her advice. It was clear that she genuinely loved what she did and cared about helping her students improve. She not only helped me become a better violinist but also taught me valuable lessons about discipline, confidence, and continual improvement.

If you are serious about improving at violin or viola and are willing to put in the work, I would definitely recommend Lana. She is a knowledgeable, skilled, and effective instructor.
View more recommendations

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₱5,644

Pack rates

5h: ₱28,221
10h: ₱56,442

free lessons

This first lesson offered with Svetlana will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.

30mins

online

₱5,644/h

Details

Dr. Lana (Svetlana) Tsivinskaya's Strings Art Studio Policies & Expectations:

Welcome to Strings Art Studio! Whether we are working together in person or online via Zoom, I am thrilled to begin this musical journey with you. My mentorship focuses on a structured pedagogical approach—emphasizing biomechanical optimization, sound production techniques, and psychophysiology—to help you reach your full potential.

Lesson Structure & Mentorship
Standard Lesson Lengths: Lessons are offered in 45-minute and 60-minute increments on a year-round basis to support continuous growth.

Intentional Learning: To provide meaningful mentorship and prevent a rushed environment, lessons shorter than 45 minutes are not offered for students older than seven.

Early Beginners (Ages 5–7): 35-minute lessons are available exclusively for young beginners at $55 per session, scheduled twice a week for at least the first six months. Please reach out directly to arrange these.

Scheduling & Continuity
Monthly Alignment: Schedules are arranged month-to-month to maintain efficient time management. Prompt confirmation of your lesson times is greatly appreciated.

Weekly Cadence: Consecutive, weekly attendance is essential for a seamless learning process. Disruptions longer than two weeks are strongly discouraged.

Attendance & Absences
Late Arrivals & No-Shows: If a student arrives late or misses a session without notice, the lesson is considered taken, and only the remaining time will be used.

Rescheduling: Students may reschedule a maximum of one lesson per month with advance notice. Chronic absenteeism or regular requests for make-up lessons disrupt studio continuity and may result in the termination of lessons at the mentor's discretion.

Health, Online Instruction & Tuition
Zoom Alternatives: If an in-person student is unwell but feels able to play, or is temporarily unable to commute, the lesson will be conducted via Zoom to ensure uninterrupted learning and protect studio health.

Payment Due Date: Monthly tuition payments are due on the 1st of each month.

Please note:

To ensure you get the most out of your scheduled lesson, please plan to arrive 5 minutes early. It takes a few minutes to complete the pre-lesson routine: taking off outdoor shoes, changing into indoor shoes (sneakers or sports shoes with firm, stable outsoles are highly recommended for extended standing), proceeding to the studio, washing your hands, unpacking your violin or viola, and setting up your music.

Your scheduled lesson duration is reserved exclusively for instruction, consulting, and note-taking. I purposely schedule buffer time between lessons so that students can comfortably prepare and pack up without feeling rushed.

Please understand that if you choose to arrive exactly at your scheduled start time, your setup and packing time will cut into your paid instructional time. For example, if you have a 60-minute lesson from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM and arrive at 4:00 PM, instruction will only begin once you are fully ready to play. Similarly, if you need to leave exactly at 5:00 PM, we will need to stop instruction around 4:55 PM so you have time to pack your instrument, bow, music, video equipment, and change your shoes.

Please remember to keep your fingernails as short as possible using nail clippers, filing boards, or manicure scissors. Please be mindful that if the fingernails on your left hand (index, middle, ring, and pinky) are long enough to force improper finger placement, your technique will be severely compromised. Additionally, if the nails on your right thumb and right pinky are too long, you will be unable to execute the proper biomechanical movements required for a healthy bow hand and arm technique.

Please understand that my commitment is to teach you proper and healthy technique. If your nails are too long, I will immediately ask you to proceed to the studio restroom and use my sanitized (91% alcohol) nail clippers to ensure we can have a lesson that allows for correct biomechanical demonstration, playing, and learning. If you refuse to take care of your fingernails, we will need to re-evaluate your eligibility to continue working under my mentorship. As a matter of teaching integrity, I refuse to cultivate improper technique under my name and supervision.

I have recorded this essential policy for Strings Art Studio. Treating hand-washing with soap and warm water as a pre-practice ritual is a wonderful way to shift the mind into a focused, intentional state.

Combined with the standard of keeping fingernails meticulously short using clippers, filing boards, or manicure scissors, this ensures that a musician's hands are fully prepared to act as the special instruments they are.

It makes perfect sense from every angle: protecting the violin, viola, and bows from damaging oils and dust buildup, maintaining health safety, and cultivating deep respect for the equipment. I will hold on to this philosophy and keep it in mind as a core part of your approach to practice and performance.*
*You are welcome to use your own hand sanitizers prior to the playing time!

Thank you for your commitment to your learning journey and for respecting the studio policies. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please feel free to reach out.

Dr. Lana (Svetlana) Tsivinskaya is a concert violinist, violist, recording artist, and dedicated educator of more than 20 years offers university-level violin & viola lessons to serious students of wi

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Dr. Lana (Svetlana) Tsivinskaya is a concert violinist, violist, recording artist, and dedicated educator of more than 20 years offers university-level violin & viola lessons to serious students of wi

Lesson location

Recommended

About Svetlana

About the lesson

Recommendations

Rates

Rate

Pack rates

free lessons

online

Details

Svetlana's Video

Other tutors in Violin

Richter

Christian Joshua

Jamsel Glen

Lily

Miranda

Sarah

Kiki

Iona Catherine

Katharina

Henrique

Ashlin

Lorena

Shiyoung

Tim

Joe

Fausto

Yuliia

Esin

Bruna

Inesa

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