Music Lessons in City Island, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

When I first meet with a student, I usually try to get a sense of their ability level, goals, and the styles of music they enjoy. Since everyone is unique, I tailor my lesson plans to each individual. I can help with planning a practice routine, and with selecting music that is interesting, fun, and hopefully a bit challenging (because thats how we improve)! I will recommend method books, and music books, and write a clear practice schedule at every lesson, and will look for ways to keep my students motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For older or more advanced students, I find the Guild Series to be quite effective and interesting. With these students, following their interest, we continue with sight singing, composition and improvisation. With adults, we work on what they're interested in (classical, rock, blues, gospel), but with a firm grounding in fundamentals: scales, cadences, etc. For all my students if they don't respond to one set of materials, we switch to another until we can find a good match. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing beats seeing one of my pupils acquire an interest in music! As a result, each student must proceed at their rate. At each lesson, I promote this by setting realistic goals for my pupils, either learning the most challenging parts of a song or just learning a simple phrase that was hard previously. Recognizing accomplishments fuels students' desire to advance and prepares them to learn more. By attempting to discover what motivates the student, I can appropriately personalize my training to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

I am very musically and artistically motivated in most aspects of my life. I also work in film and theatre. I graduated from high school in Texas in 2011 where I maintained a status of one of the best high school clarinet players in the state. I went to college for undergraduate and graduate degrees in theatre, but I continued to take music lessons and play in various groups. I love sharing my experience with those who are eager to learn and find joy in the process of learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time over 20 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that teaching a combination of various musical styles can go a long way in helping students thoroughly enjoy drumming and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with a method book (my method book preference varies depending on the instrument). At the early stages, the fundamentals of music are essential. My philosophy of music is that any student is capable of achieving anything they want, as long as they put their mind to it and they work hard. I started playing the saxophone in second grade; however, there were basic fundamentals that I was still learning in college. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Since then I have volunteered for my hometown's summer music enrichment program, and have continued to do one-on-one lessons. Outside of music I very often found myself in teaching scenarios. For several years I instructed WTF Taekwondo, holding a rank of 2nd Dan Black Belt. I also taught and assisted my mother in teaching Sunday school for several years. Throughout my years of teaching experience I've worked with all age ranges and levels of proficiency. Read More