Music Lessons in Mendon, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Music

While teaching, I create a very friendly and welcome environment. Comfort between the student and teacher is critical in order to progress with technique and repertoire. I open the floor to questions, concerns and truly want to hear what the students perspectives are. With beginner students, the primary focus is on breath management, developing flexibility between ranges, and applying technique to repertoire. For more advanced singers, I am able to help prepare for auditions or performances and focus more on the quality and control of the voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Playing with one hand first, then the other, then using both hands. Working on rhythm and coordination follows that. For students that are in the intermediate-advanced stage, how the lessons go really depends on what the student's goals are and what they want to focus on. I have a lot of music theory knowledge and compositional skills, I can teach active listening, playing by ear, composition itself, improvising, arpeggios with fingerings, altered scales, hybrid structures of chords, tritone substitutions, voice leading, inner harmony, soloing, phrasing, and comping. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my bedroom, as I began teaching myself the art of guitar by ear. Years later when I received my degree in music. I started on my path of teaching. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The first thing a teacher must do is figure out how to motivate a student to practice. This can be done differently for different students. I will list some things that I have found that work. 1) Set a practice schedule/timer/alarm 2) I work on mindset and practice techniques to reduce practice session frustration/anxiety and increase positivity and feel good emotions 3) The student selects songs to practice in addition to scales, lesson book or repertoire 4) Parental support and priority 5) Listening to music outside of lesson 6) Practice one concept at a time 7) Limit faster passages to smaller groups of notes, practice slow with different patterns. 8) more in lesson!....... Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

Teaching, for me, began when I was in high school; I taught summer drumset lessons at McQuaid Jesuit and taught Karate at Martial Arts America. This desire to teach was incorporated with my love of music...leading me to pursue a degree in Music Education. I began performing and competing in fourth grade, which continued into my college years. In my third year of undergraduate work, these elements of music led me as well as three of my percussion buddies to performances and clinics (that we taught) at the New York State School Music Association and the New York State Band Director's Association conventions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Music Keyboard

Studying music is a process of never-ending exploration. Therefore, sparking creativity and curiosity in children and adults alike is my number one priority. When a student develops a curious mindset about their instrument and the sounds they can get out of it, they will continue to investigate, experiment, and improve beyond the weekly lessons. That is when I know I have done my job! Moreover, setting the students up for success is key. 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