Music Lessons in Brookfield, MA

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I began teaching over 20 years ago with a focus on early childhood and beginning piano lessons. I have had great success working with young students by providing a variety of activities each lesson and making sure that learning music is a joyful experience. Music theory, ear training, flash cards and rhythm exercises with percussion instruments are just a few examples of lesson activities that are included in addition to the core elements of proper technique and music literacy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Acoustic Guitar

In the first lesson, I like to find out about my student's goals. Regular lessons usually consist of reviewing exercises, etudes, and songs that were assigned from the previous lesson and then making adjustments as needed. The goal is to develop technique as well as overall musicianship so that every piece of music is played or sung well and beautifully. I like to follow an outline of skills basic to the instrument and to making good music but often adjust lessons based on the student's ability and personal goals, Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

My methods for teaching are directly linked to the desires of the student and what they hope to achieve by learning how to play an instrument. If a student is particularly interested in songwriting and composition, I'd be more inclined to emphasize the principles or harmony, counterpoint, structure and written music, whereas if a student is more interested in becoming an instrumentalist for a band etc., I'd be more inclined to emphasize rudiments, scale exercises and a jamming mentality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

I always try to guide my instruction in a fun and engaging direction to keep the student interested and motivated to get better. I am able to do this by being energetic and enthusiastic about my teaching and I feel its important to make the material matter to the student. When a student has confidence in their abilities they are able to achieve much success on their specific instrument. As I also previously mentioned, getting to know what inspires a student and knowing them on a more personal level helps develop a better student/teacher relationship and thus yields a better outcome on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn

I love most when students know the joy of performing music really well. I am not one to let students stagnate, but as the saying goes, "If it's not fun, why do it?" I firmly believe that my biggest job as a teacher is to help students learn to love the music that they are playing, not necessarily to only play "fun" music but to develop a deep love for music that is challenging and rewarding. Read More