Dr. Nicole Fassold-Harabaru is a violinist and violist specializing in musical theater, opera, and pedagogy. Most recently she performed viola in the album Penelope Live at Joe’s Pub and was on tour with the show from Theatre Horizon, Shakespeare Theater Company, and Ancram Performing Arts Center. Nicole has also performed with Arden Theater Company in Philadelphia, Sonder Space Dance Company, Media Theater, Wilmington Ballet, Opera Louisiane in Louisiana, and plays/subs for many regional theater companies from Philadelphia to New York. Nicole has previously held contracts with Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and plays with several orchestras throughout Pennsylvania. As a teacher, Nicole has run her private studio wherever she has lived since 2015 and has also worked in inner city group lesson projects like Kids’ Orchestra (Baton Rouge). Her great love has always been pit orchestra and teaching. Nicole currently lives in New York City with her husband, music loving toddler, and music tolerant cat.
Click here for my full resume
Read below to find out about my credentials and teaching method-
About Nicole’s teaching style:
Kaleidoscopes is a newer method of teaching violin designed by professional violinist and master of sociology Elise Winters. It is a beautiful and engaging way to teach music that include the philosophies of Montessori, Suzuki, and positive discipline. Singing songs, hand movements and excersizes, and abit of keyboard prepare the body and mind to play the violin with a good technique. Children receive a CD (all book and cd materials provided) to help engrave nursery songs that they will be mastering throughout the year. As they learn to play violin, guided discovery takes a key role and students as young as 4 begin to figure out songs by themselves (with a little guidance from the teacher and the parent).
Older students and students finishing the Kaleidoscopes beginner books transition into the Suzuki method books with supporting materials. Eventually students transition to specific technique and solo pieces which further violin technique and musicality up to the college level and on.
Learn more about the kaleidoscope method here:
Education:
- Doctor of Music in Violin performance, minor in viola performance from Louisiana State University
- Master of music in violin performance from University of Delaware
- Bachelor of Music in violin performance from Colorado State University
Certifications:
- Certificate in violin/viola pedagogy from Colorado State University
- Suzuki training in Every Child Can, Unit 1, and Unit 2, current Suzuki Association of America member
- Kaleidoscopes for Violin workshop for book 1
- Kaleidoscopes for Violin Certificate
- A teacher’s education never stops! Here are certifications I’m hoping to earn in the coming years:
- Kodály certification
- Suzuki book 3+
Sample performance videos: