My focus is on technical understanding of the violin and bow, as well as musical awareness with emphasis on the phrase "Passionate virtuosity". In terms of technical knowledge of the violin, tho the phrase "heartless skill" might apply, it'd be hopeful to avoid as much as possible "heartfelt ineptitude". Although I provide detailed instructions on using the bow and learning the violin, I also encourage students to think critically, ask questions openly, and take an active role in developing their own approach to the violin. My teaching of the bow emphasizes the Franco-Belgian School (Ysaye-Vieuxtemps), including creating options for a curved right pinky/flat first-digit-right-pinky-knuckle. At the same time, the left hand is based on more widely known parameters. Basics/Fundamentals, Technique, Musicality, and Artistic Realization, as they relate to the temperament of each student, are the focal points.

For in-person lessons as a priority, I read music with students, be it violin or violin/viola duos. I consider my role as a pivot that opens doors for students to further access their growth through playing with string trios, quartets, and other ensembles. While it is encouraged to have one lesson a week, some students take two classes a week.

I occasionally teach internationally, and even if the time difference might be half a day ahead or behind, we manage to make it work. 

I work with students full-time during the school year, and occasionally as well during the summer. Goals are realistic based on the student's level. If students wish to accelerate on the violin, I encourage a nurturing program. During the school year, my focus is generally on one or two main pieces of music per semester, along with a strong emphasis on the basics (ie, scales/etudes/Sevcik/Schradiack variants), and specific repertoire as it applies to the individual needs of each student.

For students who actively study with me from autumn to spring, I strongly encourage them to participate in summer music program(s) with a focus on individual practice, chamber music, and/or orchestra, while finding programs that are enjoyable and reflect the student’s current level. For students who prefer to work with me during summer, I ensure there is as much learning on the violin as possible while additionally reading duos, trios, and/or string quartets; tho it must be strongly communicated I favor that the student attends summer violin/string/music programs of some level, either in the US, and/or abroad for maximizing their potential. 

Although I teach violin at all levels, both in person and via Zoom/FaceTime, my primary focus is on students whose levels fall within the "Intermediate” to “Advanced" range. With this in mind, I consider myself friendly, supportive, non-abrasive, and approachable, so inquiries of any level are always welcome.

To book a lesson with me, feel free to contact my assistant at: Rodney@melodyvision.com, or more directly, 267-977-7134 via text message.

Lessons are $150.00 (an hour and a half). If you’re considering lessons with me, I encourage you to read further:

Jason DePue is a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra, joining at the age of 23. He started officially learning the violin at the age of 5, performing his first public concert at age 7, and making his first solo orchestral appearance with the Toledo Symphony at the age of 13. From age seven until graduating from High School, he performed about 50 concerts a year, primarily with his family. He still remembers before starting violin at age five being surrounded by music intuitively, with immediate musical influence from his Mom, Dad, and older brothers, Wallace (Phd in Violin, and founder of the term "Grassical Music"), and Alex (collaborated with Steve Vai Band and Chris Cagle), playing the violin, as well as eventually, the influence of his younger brother, Zachary (founding member of "Time for Three" and current concertmaster of Naples Philharmonic, FL).

Meanwhile, since joining the Philadelphia Orchestra, Jason has released four albums, including, most recently, a mainstream classical album “Spanish Essentials for Violin and Piano". He also, on occasion, actively releases updated classical musical projects on his YouTube page. He is known for teaching the classical violin literature to students of any level. Throughout his career, he has taught students ranging from the formative years to high school, to college, and beyond. He served on Temple University's Music Prep Division for 7 years in roles ranging from teaching privately to coaching chamber ensembles.

His violin teaching approach focuses on (in order): Technique/Basics, Musicality, and Collaboration/Artistic Realization (ie, reading duos, trios, quartets with student(s) and/or involving parents for those who also play a musical instrument on any level). His approach features a specific curriculum that branches off, tailoring instruction to each student's individual needs and personality. It emphasizes careful communication, confidentiality, and prudence, all aimed at helping students learn the violin and "bridge the gap" to make learning as practical as possible. Although it's inferred to try to "follow the path of least resistance", Jason also communicates the realities of practicing and learning the violin in a practical yet nurturing manner. 

Jason continues to expand his repertoire to enhance the learning experiences for his violin students. In addition to exploring live performances of unaccompanied works by Bach, Paganini and Ysaye, he also researches all levels of works, ranging from the basics: Most students, if not all, work on Sevcik, to walking thru many of the classic Etude and Exercise books, to the Carl Flesch Scale System, to other scale system approaches, to the minor and major concerto repertoire, and basically "all things strings" that has anything to do with helping accelerate the student's capabilities. The main thing is explaining *how to learn each piece, as it is different for each student. He also strongly considers repertoire selection as it realistically relates to students' current needs, and with 25+ years of teaching experience, ensuring it is effective for students’ current development.

For creative and outreach purposes, he occasionally updates his YouTube page, which currently has more than 2.5 million views. Some of these videos share basic teaching ideas. In contrast, others share his knowledge of the viola and mandolin, which he applies to help students prepare for various educational purposes by reading chamber works. 

Born into a musical family in Bowling Green, Ohio, DePue’s upbringing is steeped in musical tradition. His father, Dr. Wallace DePue Sr., is a renowned composer with over 65 years of experience. While growing up, Jason attended many concerts at BGSU's Annual "New Music Festival", which is a nationally recognized and celebrated new music program commonly held during autumn at BGSU's College of Music. Jason's exposure to these types of concerts has introduced him to, and continues to spark his imagination and appreciation for, new ideas on violin and musical development, as well as new music. His mother, Linda, was a talented pianist. The DePue family, now known as "The DePue Brothers Band", is recognized for their musical legacy, including a PBS documentary, as well as being honored as "Music Family of America” by Presidential Decree. 

The DePue Family is also known for pioneering and being the founders of an official musical genre: "Grassical Music,” which blends classical and bluegrass styles. The band has produced several albums, including “When It’s Christmas Time”, “Weapons of Grass Construction", and “Classical Grass". Their innovative approach has influenced many musicians across genres. 

Jason's principal violin teachers include Boris Brant (who is referenced in a biography about Dorothy DeLay), Vasile Beluska (who participated in the original Jascha Heifetz masterclasses), and David Cerone (Founder of Encore School for Strings). Additional former teachers include William de Pasquale, Aaron Rosand, Joseph Silverstein, Ida Kavafian, Yumi Scott, Yair Kless, and Jamie Laredo.

In his spare time, Jason enjoys sports, staying healthy, comedy, and participating in book clubs. 

Jason DePue plays a beautiful French violin made by Charles-François Gand, circa 1824. He resides in Elkins Park."

As a denouement, here are some additional, but never final, remarks:

I encourage students to be aware of, and familiar with violinists of renown such as (and no particular order): Heifetz, Milstein, Oistrakh, Szeryng, Grumiaux, Stern, Francescatti, Menuhin, Szigeti, Morini, Camilla Wicks, Ivry Gitlis, Ysaye, Sarasate, Kreisler, Ricci, Kogan, Mischa Elman, Galilmir, Rosand, Gingold, Robert Mann, Ginette Neveu, Gyorgy Pauk, Rabin, Silverstein, Thibaud,  as well as the contemporary masters who perform live concerts today. I think on behalf of most teachers, the worst answer when one says, "Are you aware of Nathan Milstein's playing?" And the student's response is: "Who is he?"

I also encourage students to engage with online teaching videos that feature teachers discussing or performing activities that spark learning and inspire improvement.

Best as always, and Salut!