Music Lessons in East Rochester, NY

Instruments: Violin

For beginning students, I like to build a foundation of training the ear, learning the language of music, and becoming connected with their instruments. I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements or the Suzuki books. For intermediate students, I try and develop good building blocks for technique and facilities for getting around the violin. This is also a good stage to start introducing more advanced repertoire. For advanced students, I focus a lot on developing a deeper and more mature sound that really takes violin playing to the next level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started a band while I was in college and we were playing consistently up until March. In recent years I have found that many music lessons tend to boil down to the student practicing material given to them, and the teacher telling them if they played "good" or "bad." This process is repeated every lesson and an unfortunate number of students drop music. This is so sad to me, and I would like to help change this. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola

I have been a teacher almost as long as I can remember. As one of the more advanced students in class I was often utilized to help other students, even in elementary school. By the time I reached high school, I was sitting in the concertmaster seat (even though I was a violist) and I regularly led sectionals and conducted the orchestra when needed. At that point I also had a small private studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Regardless of the age of the student, I want to ensure that the music we work on is both enjoyable for them and healthy for their voice. I do research for each individual student so that the correct repertoire is chosen! For beginning students who are ages 7-12, I begin with folk songs and Disney songs. These have simpler melodies and engaging text that help younger students stay interested. For beginning students that are 12-18, I will begin with folk songs and musical theatre songs, moving to art song and classical pieces. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Music Djembe

I graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Jazz Studies: Drum Set from the Eastman School of Music, studying music theory (aural and written), music history, and composition in addition to drum set and Jazz vibraphone. During my master's degree, I taught two courses taken by Eastman and University of Rochester students (drum set lessons, and also a basic drum set class). I have worked at American Music Centre (a music store/ school in Rochester) as a drum set and percussion instructor, and have multiple years experience teaching students from ages 3 to adult. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin Tuba Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Yes for teaching piano I use Nancy and Randall Faber's books. I have used all of them. For guitar and mandolin I generally do not use a "book". As the lessons progress I might introduce a book if that is what is called for. All orchestral instruments call for the structure of a book and I augment that with my own explanations. This is true for all ages of learners. Read More