Violin Studies
Dr. Kinga Augustyn is a devoted and passionate teacher whose pedagogical work stands alongside her active career as a concert violinist and recording artist. She maintains a private violin studio on the Upper East Side of New York City and regularly gives masterclasses across the United States and abroad while on tour. Her students are winners of prestigious national and international competitions and scholarships, and many hold positions in excellent orchestras.
In addition to weekly ongoing instruction, Dr. Augustyn frequently works with musicians on a short-term basis to help them prepare for specific auditions, recitals, competitions, and important performances. Drawing on her extensive experience as both a performer and scholar—and her mastery of a wide range of musical styles, including historical performance practice—she views teaching as a vital part of her artistic mission. Nurturing and elevating the next generation of violinists is not only a responsibility but a joy she fully embraces.
Areas of Expertise
Concerto and recital repertoire
Music of Johann Sebastian Bach
Violin technique (Paganini and Wieniawski Caprices; études by Kreutzer, Mazas, Rode, Dont, Gaviniès, and others)
Contemporary music
Historical performance practice
Chamber music
Orchestral excerpts
Dr. Augustyn places great importance on healthy posture and the physical mechanics of violin playing to help students avoid tension and injury—an all-too-common challenge among musicians. She incorporates principles of the Alexander Technique and teaches an efficient, body-aware approach that protects the player while supporting full technical mastery, expressive freedom, and genuine virtuosity.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kinga Augustyn, please email kingaaugustyn@gmail.com.
Lessons are offered both in person and online.
Scroll down to read what students say about their experiences 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.