Oliver Costello

Hi, nice to meet you! My name is Oliver Costello and I am a violinist and composer based in NYC. I have extensive experience performing and teaching, and emphasize a holistic approach to music-making based in creativity as well as structured learning. I studied at Manhattan School of Music with Chloe Kiffer, and recently was part of the Graduate String Quartet in Residence at Montclair State University. I have performed alongside musicians such as the Kronos Quartet and violinist Stefan Jackiw, and served as Adjunct Faculty at Montclair State University during my time there. In addition, I am a composer of contemporary classical and electronic music!

My philosophy is that music should always be a source of joy! For me, it is important and prioritized that my students are enjoying the music that they are playing, as well as keeping them focused and disciplined. By encouraging and rewarding creativity and discipline, I strive to raise students that grow both as musical performers and creatives. Technique, however, does not take a backseat to musicianship; my teaching emphasizes that these two are one and the same! Technique and the "how" of things can also be a source of joy in music-making. One of my major goals as a teacher is to teach technique to students in a way that feels musical and just as important as any musical aspect of playing!