Cello Lessons in Hempstead, NY

john S

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Accordion Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Lute Fiddle Double Bass Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
No .No one as far as I can recall played any instrument.I did not come from a family if musicians to inspire me.I was the first to take up and accomplish musical maturity and develop it professionally and, to teach it.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
the Dream bulk by Scarlatti.It is a masterpiece! The piece enhances color and vibrance.Also, Jimi Hendricks Red House is a masterpiece.The Blues structure of this piece uses all the scales that are used in rock and blues.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I learned most as a music major We were required to learn instruments in each of the family of instruments.You had to play each instrument at end if semester to the board in order to be certified to teach.Failure to achieve on an one instrument meant you failed the whole thing and had to redo the class This is how I learned all the secondary instruments.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Classical guitar is and always will be my passion.I play a wide variety if style but having studied guitar with two giants,Christopher Darkening and Andres Segovia, classical guitar remains my favorite.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Sports casting I do a daily radio show heard in thirteen countries.I also do a show on music and take listeners calls on music and other questions.I would be doing sports for the most part had I not been impassioned with the spirit of music.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Theory and composition

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
One that accomplishes goals .One that breaks down each phrase to be able to play it can't while or, in a singing style One must perform the piece exactly how they would sing it.Only then, can the true mastery of the song be appreciated by the listener.Practicing goals on a song is the best way to ensure mastery if a piece.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use my own techniques for success. Books tend to be boring for an aspiring student so, with that in mind,I teach the music that the student wishes to learn, still being able to teach the theory and phrasing for performance.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I believe the most difficult is phrasing.The technique of the instrument requires practice Also, note reading is imperative to be able to understand a piece to it's fullest

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
The students who have achieved musical success Especially my two Grammy nominee students as well as the countless performers who are now performing professionally all around the world.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Three are rock stars and two are Grammy nominees I have several students who have made All Shore Orchestra which is the ultimate achievement.Many former students have professional careers and are teachers of music as well.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Andres Segovia and Christopher Parkening

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
Inspiration for one.I was hooked early by someone who gave me an album of classical guitar.Upon listening, I became determined to learn to play.I try to teach that to aspiring students.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I give kids, usually age 5 a month trial .We work on easy songs to learn notes and style.After that initial structure, we move on to chords and technique.

When will I start to see results?
With my system, you will see results the first lesson.However,you must spend time perfecting and advancing to obtain the desired result.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practice segments if a song trying to play it like you sing it.To present a song, one must appreciate cantabile, that is to play a song exactly how you would sing it as the voice is a natural instrument and instruments are not.

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
From seeing Leonard Bernstein conduct when I was young.Many if us as musicians are inspired by a myriad of sounds and colors.It is with that inspiration, that we assume our place in the musical world and try ad we may, to inspire others the same way we were inspired.

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