Flute Lessons in Brentwood, NY

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style is focused on playing as much as possible and encouraging good practice habits. The most important thing I can do as a teacher is teach my students good practice habits! This includes showing students not only WHAT to practice, but HOW to practice it. By spending as much time as possible in the lesson playing together, I have found that my students have more fun playing in the lesson, learn more, and in turn practice more during the week! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I had a very unique opportunity to be mentored by the legendary drummer/bandleader/NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton. I spent a lot of time with him on and off the stage. I was observing and loving all of these moments on tour and in the studio. I learned so many things from him, most importantly what it means to be a teacher. In order to teach, one should never stop learning. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

I believe strongly that passion is infectious, and is key to my teaching. I ask all of my student to set realistic goals and treat our progress as a journey in which we will gradually pick up the skills to grow with steady work. This comes from enjoying the “artistic process” and can only be discovered when we move together at a pace that is comfortable for the student. The only requirement I have for any budding musicians is that we both be open-minded and willing to listen using our ears and mind (this goes for me too!). Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one of my students grow as a musician! I believe in the importance of supporting my students by attending concerts, recitals, and any other performance opportunity. In lessons, my teaching style and technique involves positive reinforcement and encouragement for progress. I make realistic goals for my students, and I clearly articulate when my students have reached their goals. I believe that constant reinforcement and encouragement is vital for students to feel their own successes, no matter how big or small. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For beginners and younger students, I typically start with the Trevor Wye Beginner Method books or the Flute Student method book by Douglas Steensland. More intermediate students I will start out with the Rubank Method books. All of these books are tailored towards flute specifically, and have fairly comprehensive and progressive exercises that are very effective. I like to start out with a method book, and I can supplement with other materials to bet fit the needs of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

Having taught many students over the years, my favorite books for young beginners are the Rubank series and Pares Scale book. These give a good foundation and progression and have easy to read fingering charts. Once a student gets going with these I introduce simple duet books so that, by playing with me, they develop a strong sense of tone and intonation. The first solo books I recommend are collections of solo's by famous composers, these give the student the chance to gravitate toward the style and composer they like best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

I typically tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. In general, I will allocate appropriate Etudes, Scales, and Repertoire that is inline with their abilities and the standards of their particular instrument. If they are preparing for an upcoming performance or audition, that may take precedent. But I also think there is equal need for unstructured time that allows students to explore music as a creativity medium via music listening, exploratory exercises, improvisation, or even composition. Read More