Learning Violin

Violin Faculty at Queens College Aaron Copland School of Music, Dr. Kinga Augustyn utilizes different methods that are tailored to the needs and abilities of her students. She teaches her students in a way that they are able to teach themselves later on, and pays special attention to “how the violin works” and how to play in a way that will help one avoid any injuries, so common among many musicians. She often applies to her teaching the principles of the Alexander Technique, which she finds beneficial to her own music making as well. She believes in playing the violin in the most economical way that protects one’s body from injuries, and at the same time allows the mastery of the technique and deep music making. Dr. Augustyn’s students include winners of prestigious international competitions and other honors.

Dr. Augustyn received her bachelors and masters degrees from The Juilliard School, and her doctorate in music from SUNY at Stony Brook. Having studied with world’s most recognized teachers and musicians such as Dorothy DeLay, Naoko Tanaka, Cho-Liang Lin, and Kurt Sassmannshaus, among others, she enjoys passing on the body of knowledge she has gained herself. Dr. Augustyn has recently served on the Violin Faculty for The Alexander & Buono Festival of Music. She has also conducted various violin, piano and chamber music masterclasses and workshops in the United States, Chile and Poland.

Violin lessons take place on Upper East Side in New York City. Dr. Augustyn is a busy performer and also already has a large private teaching studio. However, sometimes she can accept another student to her class. To schedule a consultation, please email kingaaugustyn@gmail.com. Also, scroll down to see what the students say about their experiences of studying with Dr. Augustyn.

Testimonials from Dr. Kinga Augustyn’s students

“Three years ago, I was a violinist that was lost in development. I was a freshman in high school and I had been studying violin for about nine years. However, I faced a plateau in my growth and technical skills. Prior to meeting Dr. Augustyn, I was told that she was very mindful of posture and a stickler for hand positions when playing the violin. Not only was this a perfect solution to my tendonitis issue, it brought hope to my technical development. During my first lesson with Dr. Augustyn, we mainly focused on the basics of violin technique in order to address my major setbacks. After correcting posture, removing the shoulder rest, and working on basic scales, I felt as if playing was much easier than it was before.

My lessons with Dr. Augustyn were quite intensive, but they were a great source of development and preparation for conservatory life. In the beginning of our lessons, we would warm up with scales and exercises and then proceed to major repertoire. Throughout the lessons, she would observe my posture and give me advice on interpretation and musicality. While studying with Dr. Augustyn, I developed technique and expanded my repertoire list immensely. I was able to complete pieces significantly quicker than I did before she became my private teacher. She also guided me and was a significant part of my college audition process. Not only has Dr. Augustyn helped me develop into the violinist I am today, but she has also inspired me to continue spreading the love for classical music. Without her, I would not have made it to Mannes School of Music, which is where I will be continuing my musical development.”

- Mikayla C.

“Learning with Dr. Augustyn was a great experience. As Dr. Augustyn performs regularly, she understands how to correct students' mistakes and has a solid approach to the basic foundation of the violin playing that will help to bring out one’s musicality. Studying with her has given me the opportunity to pursue unique music from composers such as Zarzycki. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a dedicated and highly skilled violin teacher.”

- Jerod S.

“I've taken violin lessons from Kinga for over three years now, and my playing has improved drastically since my very first lesson from her. Her passion for music shows in everything she does; my lessons frequently go overtime because she wants to get through as much as she can, and no possible improvement, however minor, misses her keen eye. She's also very smart, kind, and flexible. Could not recommend more!”

- Aarthi B.

“Kinga is a wonderful teacher! I have been studying with her for two years, and she is one of the best teachers I've ever had. She is perceptive, articulate, encouraging, and patient as she pushes me to play my best. She makes me feel like I am in good hands. She has a sharp eye and ear for finding places where I can improve, and she doles out feedback at a pace that I can handle, giving me enough each week so I will be challenged but not so much that I am overwhelmed. She takes a full body approach to my playing, looking not only at my fingers, but advising me on my neck, my feet, my breathing, etc. to give me a better sound and posture that will avoid injuries. The pieces she assigns are carefully chosen; I often start a piece thinking it too hard for me and soon discover it is difficult but within reach, selected to push my playing to the next level. I always leave my lessons excited to go home and practice. She is also friendly and very approachable, and she makes my lessons fun. I highly recommend taking lessons with Kinga!”

- Heather C.