Music Lessons in Elmsford, NY

Instruments: Voice Music

I began study w several classical teachers but my manager at the time insisted on the legendary Don Lawrence. I studied w Don but was inclined back to more classical bellcanto study. Finally, I met William Riley( Celine Dion, Whitney Houston), and began an 11 year study w him. I learned the connection between technique and application w all genre’ and am eternally great full to him for his mentorship. Uh- oh. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I've taught lessons for a total of 8 years in New York City, Boston, and Midwestern Illinois. I've taught all kinds of students: children, teens, college students, adults, and retirees. Each student has come with their own goals and passions, and I enjoy helping each individual uncover, free, and develop the natural voice within. In addition to setting each student up with a solid vocal technique, I've taught basic music and vocal health to young children (ages 5-7), developed music reading skills in teens and young adults, helped retirees improve technically so they can better contribute to their community choirs, and even instructed a folk singer in improvisation, songwriting, and healthy folk vocal technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I believe the student is there to find a passion. It is so important to find love for the art, and this is what I try to provide. A lead-by-example approach is the core of what I do. I "draw" the student toward their own voice. It is imperative to help them find their own "style." The greatest musicians are true originals; and so I do not encourage my students to follow in my footsteps, but to blaze their own trails. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

For my students, I will typically start them with Mel Bay's Modern Guitar Method Grade 1.  Once I feel they have a handle on basic chords and techniques we may introduce a modern tune into the lesson mix and work from there.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My goal as a teacher is to avoid any type of dogmatic "one size fits all" curriculum.  I always want to know what music the student enjoys and build my lesson plans based on their tastes.  Chords can be physically challenging for beginners so I like to work with single-note melodies early on so that the student isn't quickly discouraged.  Learning chords becomes the medium-term goal.  As for the long-term, I will then use specific songs as examples for how music theory works in the context of their favorite bands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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: Voice Music

One thing I love to implement early on is that your student shouldn't put themselves in a box. Many singers refer to themselves as "an opera singer" or "a belter" and I believe that all-singing styles benefit each other. There is a healthy way to explore all singing styles, and being fluent in those styles will make you more versatile throughout your whole life. For beginning singers, I would begin with the basics of music reading and simple melodies that would be recognizable to their ears. Read More