New Website

I started a new website.  I've been thinking about it for a long while now.  Check out http://www.stephenfinleyviolin.com

Since I seem to move around from one city to the next every two years or so, I found it impossible to actually establish a violin studio.  It has always been my dream though to settle down and foster music in the community I live in.  Since my wife was recently hired for her dream job at KPMG, It helped us make the decision to stay in Buffalo.  Now I feel like I can really focus on building a studio.

I am also working on developing a solid curriculum for students to follow.  I like the idea of students knowing what to expect, where they are going, and seeing all of the ground that they cover.  You can check out the first parts of it on my new website.

Seitz Student Concerto No. 2

My first recording of my violin.  

I used Rode NT5 microphone and the Sony Handycam to record the sound and video.

Post production I used Cakewalk Sonar X1 for the audio.  I am still not sure what I'm doing with the equalizer and reverb, but I am trying.  

For the video I used Sony Vegas to put the video and audio together.   

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Suzuki Variations Video

Many beginning violinists and violists these days will play through the repertoire in the Suzuki Violin School.

There are five variations and the main theme all present in this project.  I complied a short video showing students how to play these variations so that when they go home they have a reference.  Those who actually subscribe to the Suzuki method should be listening to a cd that accompanies the music.  However, I felt that it was better for beginners to also see in addition to listening to the sounds.

Violin Studio

Violin or Viola Lessons
Stephen Finley
String Education Specialist
Stephenfinley@gmail.com(518) 248-0529 

My name is Stephen Finley.  I am located in the Buffalo area in Kenmore, NY.  I am currently a graduate student at the University of Buffalo in the School of Education and the School of Music.  I also operate a small private violin studio from my home.  

●First Lessons are free.

●I have 10 years of experience teaching violin.

●Experience teaching in private and public school settings.
●Able to teach children or adults.

●30/45/60 minute lessons times available.

●Located in Kenmore, NY.  Willing to travel in the Buffalo area.(Restrictions Apply)

●NYS Certified to teach Music

Other Qualifications
I attended the Crane School of Music where I earned a Bachelors of Music in Education.  

I spent half a year teaching elementary and middle school orchestra before moving to the high school level.  At a high school in the Syracuse area and directed two orchestra and taught string lessons for a year fulfilling a leave replacement before moving on to graduate school.

I have taught private lessons since 2004.  I have also performed in several orchestras.  I participated in the Averill Park Strings and Winds, RPI Symphony Orchestra, Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, Crane Symphony Orchestra, and University of Buffalo Symphony Orchestra.

Give me a call or email me for more information about violin or viola lessons.


Stephen Finley
String Education Specialist
Stephenfinley@gmail.com(518) 248-0529