Music Lessons in East Hills, NY

Instruments: Clarinet

I take a different approach with each student based on their learning needs and goals. The student and I (and parent when appropriate) will regularly speak about their goals and aspirations, as well as discuss both long- and short-term plans. All students will study scales, intervallic leaps, and learn base-level physics about the clarinet and its partials. Specifics and means of learning will vary student-to-student based on past knowledge and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with basic melodies that are singable and easily recognized. From there we are able to introduce basic theory knowledge. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Accordion Keyboard

For teens and adults that are just starting I love using Alfred's All In One Piano Course. This book covers piano lesson materials, music theory and technique (exercises). Adults tend to progress pretty quickly and when they do I will give them supplementary music based on what they most love to play. Many adults have had lessons as a child and return to the piano to study with me. And in that case I'll give them a quick refresher course and move them into what they really want to play as quickly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Sometimes the best way to learn is to just pick up the guitar and play it. I try to keep this in mind when engaging with a student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching private lessons since 2006, and have been fortunate to gain experience with all age groups and skill levels. Coming from a unique combination of genres, I am able to bring the complete spectrum of music into my playing and teaching. My experience with improvisation and learning by ear enables me to take a more intuitive and sensitive approach to classical notated music, and my experience with classical music gives me a complete understanding of the theory and harmony that crosses over into non-classical genres. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

It is important that when attending private lessons that a student receives individualized instruction geared to their specific level of playing and their musical desires. Because of this, I like to utilize a systematic approach to lessons--each week students work on scales (Major, minor, chormatic), etudes/lesson books, solo repertoire, duet and a piece of choice. Once we've learned all the fundementals, I like to give students the ability to choose their repertiore (with guidance of course!), offering 3-5 examples of possible solo work--but we're always working on a "fun" piece of choice.I believe that engaging students in the selection process of repertoire helps create ownership, especially when practicing.I like to have students set tangible short and long-term goals so that we're always improving during lessons. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I successful warm up exercises for all of my students. These exercises typical touch on the basics fundamentals that are incorporated in playing trumpet. Long tones to develop sound and tone... Lip Slurs to develop flexibility and strength of embochure muscles. As we develop the basics, we will progress through First Book of Practical Studies for Cornet and Trumpet by Robert W. Getchel. All while paying close attention to tone production and facilitating articulations. Read More