Music Lessons in Harrison, NY

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

My methods vary depending on student age, ability and goals with the instrument. I believe no everybody learn the same way so I adapt to find the best, most efficient and fun path to teach my students. For Children I like to emphasize the importance of the fundamentals and technique through fun exercises and simple tunes they can play along to. As the student progreses and grows more interest in the instrument, which I guarantee they will, classes will start to get more challenging. Read More

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

I know that every student has different aspirations as to why he or she wants to learn to play an instrument. The advantage of one-on-one lessons compared to a class with a set curriculum is that the lessons are catered to one student. I strive to put together lesson plans catered to each student—lesson plans that have students playing the music they enjoy as well as learning the necessary music fundamentals to become musicians. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I prefer to let students advance at their own pace so that they don't feel rushed and get discouraged. For younger students/beginners I keep an open line to the parents for extra support. I bring my instrument to the lesson and demonstrate as I teach. I center on encouragement and emphasizing a student's successes. I will change a lesson book/publisher if I sense that the student is either struggling with a particular book, or is not being challenged in a particular method and is becoming bored. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Because everyone learns differently, I teach from a technique I've developed which I refer to as the blank slate method. Though I do utilize workbooks for their very informative and easy to understand nature, I prefer to teach each student based on what they know or what comes naturally to them. This involves you the student, your instrument, and a pen and paper. For beginner students who are children, we work together to learn a simple song so that they can feel a sense of accomplishment and be further motivated to continue their studies. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner: Alfred Drum Method, Syncopation, Realistic Rock, Rockin' Bass Drum, and The Funk Drumming Workbook Intermediate: Time Capsule, Advanced Funk Drumming, Double Bass Drumming, Afro Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer Advanced: It's Your Move, Stick Control by George L. Stone, Rhythmic Patterns, Modern Orchestral Techniques, Portraits is Rhythm by Anthony Cirone, Rudimental Swing Solos by Charlie Wilcoxin Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

Currently Hal Leonard publishes a huge catalogue of music minus one style books with styles ranging from Broadway shows, jazz and pop, to classical repertoire. There are accompaniment tracks online which can be played at different tempos so you can practice slowly and gradually speed up the tempo. Concurrently, if a student is interested in studying jazz improvisation, there a many tools and techniques that I use to help them get started, and to improve their skills. Read More