Music Lessons in East Rochester, NY

Instruments: Piano

For young students starting piano lessons for the first time, I recommend either Bastien or Hal-Leonard method books. I also encourage the development of aural skills, rhythm, and note reading through games and listening assignments. I develop technique from the upper arm down, starting with muscles that are larger and easier to control. For adults, I cater my lessons and teaching to the needs of each student. I encourage being intellectually curious and experimental in approach to piano playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding to me than seeing a student develop a genuine passion for music! I believe that every student learns best when they are progressing at their own pace. To support this, I set realistic, individualized goals at each lesson, helping students build a strong foundation while acknowledging each step forward. Celebrating these accomplishments fuels their desire to learn and makes them eager to dive deeper into their studies. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Before attending the University of North Texas I was a band director, jazz band director, chorus director, free lance performer and cruise ship musician. In New York the band directors instruct all instruments in group lessons so I am familiar with technique, tone, tuning, fingerings etc...for all band instruments. My teaching and performing specialty is woodwinds, namely saxophone, flute and clarinet in both classical and jazz genres. I am a versatile performer and instructor having won international classical concerto competitions, toured with party bands and performed with professional jazz orchestras. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Acoustic Guitar

I craft a music program based on every individual's strenght, weakness and most important: interests. Having taught music in public schools for over 30 years, I am familiar with almost every pedagogical method. Whether it is Suzuki, Gordon, Kodaly, Orff or Barry Harris, I draw from all the methodology to help all students reach their comfort zones. I will also teach how to practice your instrument-something that is often neglected. Most important,I can teach how to actively listen to music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching electric guitar and bass in high school. My approached involved a degree of a musical philosophy. Sometimes we would go outside and listen to the sounds of the train going by, the wind, the birds, cars etc in an almost meditative approach to learn to appreciate that music is all around us. We catch the musical wind with the sails of our instruments when we improvise. I also taught beginner's upright bass at a music camp. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

When you were growing up and were learning to speak, no one told you to go practice speaking alone in your room until you were good enough to talk (or jam) with the masters. As a child you were already "jamming" with the masters, no adult decided not to speak with you because you weren't at their speaking level. I will do my best to make learning music as natural a process as possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Mel Bays. Once the student starts to understand the book. I will begin to teach solo appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what music they are interested in and have then tell me they're top song to learn, I try to get them to play something within the first hour. I want then to leave feeling like the you did something and that your money was well spent on my services. Read More