Music Lessons in East Village, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I cater the lessons towards the individual needs of the students.  For beginning students 6 years old and under, I prefer to use Shirley Givens' books, "Adventures In Violinland", along with Suzuki materials through rote memorization.  When the student is 5 or 6 years old or older, I like to use Suzuki materials but supplement with note reading right away.  Also, I love it when a student brings a specific piece of music in that they would like to play, whether it is from the classical repertoire, or jazz, pop, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to provide a good balance between working on theory, technique, and repertoire, and working on aspects that might be more fun like a students favorite song. This allows the student to make progress while also keeping motivated, which is really important for long term goals. For children, the balance has to lean more towards the more entertaining aspect, because of the reduced attention span. I actively work towards getting the younger students to increase their tolerance towards difficult challenges so that they can make more overall progress. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has a grasp on the fundamentals of performance, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital or NYSSMA solo. After the student moves on from basic method books, I introduce more trombone-specific books such as Arban's Trombone Method Book,and Rochut's Melodious Etudes for trombone. For adults, I like to find out what kind of music they want to play and plan my lesson accordingly to skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

Beginner work how to take a Bow and how to use Bow in Cello. Left hand learning first with tape then take off tape to play listening intonation. Intermediate students work make good sound use bow slow and faster, contact bow differently and vibrato. To get better Vibrato work very slow vibrato to faster. For example play Scale, start Vibrato slowly 1 time to fast 4 time moving wrist. Let my students to record when they practice so they can listen and fix if figure out some mistakes. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching goals center around truly getting to know each student and tailoring lessons to fit their unique personality, interests, and learning style. I believe in setting clear and manageable priorities for each week so students leave lessons with a focused sense of direction. I acknowledging accomplishments and effort. I also try to keep motivation high by finding creative and personalized ways to incentivize progress and help students build consistent practice habitswhen when it feels boring! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Piccolo

For beginners who are children I will start with the fundamentals of the instrument (flute or sax) and then from there will introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their level. With adults I like to find out what styles of music they are interested in and instruct them with that in mind to keep the lessons fun and enjoyable while still educational. I will assign exercises and also incorporate some basic music theory and composition tips to further my student's music education and lead to a more well rounded knowledgeable musician. Read More