Music Lessons in Cos Cob, CT

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

For instance a 5 year old might only be able to do 2 ten minute sessions a day whereas a student auditioning for a touring group may need several hours a day. Piano: - John Thompson books and Bastien are my preferred piano books. - Student will also need an assignment book and a metronome. - Eventually the student will need Alfred's Complete book of Scales also. Drums/Percussion: - Alfred's Snare Book 1 - Alfred's Drumset Method - Alfred's Drum book for Kids (younger age) - Sticks - Pad - Metronome -music stand Advanced Books: Piano - Hanon -Czerny Veolicty Drums - New Breed - Art of Bop Drumming by John Riley - Funkifying the Clave by Robby Ameen - Advanced Funk Drumming by Rick Latham - Exploring your Creativity on the Drum Set by Mark Guiliana Jazz: - Abersold - The Jazz Piano Book (Levin) - Real Book 1, 2, 3 Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Watching a student progress and develop a passion for music as I did growing up is the most rewarding experience as a teacher. When it comes to how quickly a student will progress, there is no such thing as 'the norm.' Everyone learns at their own pace and I tailor my teaching to each and every student in this regard. At the end of each lesson, I give my students a goal for the next time I see them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I treat each student as an individual and spend time getting to understand their goals, musical tastes, learning style, and ability level. As we get to know each other I guide the student through exercises, repertoire, techniques, and concepts that are specifically catered to build a foundation to achieve their unique goals. As we proceed down this road, I provide feedback and suggest new exercises or material based on a mutual understanding of strengths, weaknesses, and what has worked well so far. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

The first few lessons will be to gauge where the student is at technically, as well as musically. I like to cater to the needs of the student. Lessons can be as fast paced, or slow moving as the student would like. The important thing is to be comfortable with a technique before introducing new ones. Like I stated earlier, lessons will also include a historical study element. Drumming is best taught through studying the great drummers and musicians who have already mastered the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I typically start by teaching them the parts of the guitar how to hold a guitar and all the physical fundamentals including fretting notes properly etc... then I ask them what their goals are as a player if they’re interested in learning a lot of theory or just want to sing and play with their friends etc.… Then I teach them the names of the strings and tell them to memorize them as well as the dot markers on the fretboard and then I have them learn some strumming patterns and a few simple chords to get them started and then begin learning the names of the notes from open position to 12th and then learning The major scale up the neck one string at a time… And I also incorporate the use of a Metronome which I find is hugely important… Then we incorporate a simple song that they can play with four chords from there onto learning how to harmonize the major scale and then incorporate more theory… All the while assessing their needs and fixing any trouble spots they’re having… Then on to scales and more theory and More Metronome work...And every couple of lessons I teach them a new song of their choosing to make sure that they’re having fun fun fun Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Bass Guitar Synthesizer Accordion Ukulele Euphonium French Horn Tuba Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My pedagogy is based on the American jazz tradition and the teachings of Orff and Kodaly. I like to impart a holistic love of music in my students, without boring them with too much history or theory. However, it is my belief that theory and musical literacy will open doors to a greater level of fulfillment and understanding of music as a whole. The materials I use vary from student to student and from instrument to instrument, depending on each student's goals and progress. Read More