Music Lessons in Midtown Manhattan, NY

Instruments: Drums

I have over 10 years experience teaching drums and music production, which I began after moving to New York around 2010. I like to teach my students based on their needs, depending on age and speed of learning. I am very big in teaching deep fundamentals, such as snare drum rudiments and different drum grooves. The lessons need to be fun! I try to balance out 'fun' practicing and focus, goal-driven exercises, which includes learning the drum parts to music the student likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

My technique for teaching students vary depending on the student and their competency. If the student is a beginner I like to start them with the basics of theory and rhythm by explaining the circle of 5ths, major scales, minor scales, augmented, and diminished scales. Then once the student grasps the very basic concepts of music theory I then either have them bring in a song the would like to play or I will give them variations of Ferling Etudes or Bach Etudes to establish a solid foundation in music theory. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

My teaching method is roughly similar, whether you are young or old, a beginner or advanced. I believe in staying as close to music as possible; exercises have their place, but if we can use actual music to teach technique, sound, articulation, harmony, or any other topic, all the better. As a teacher, I consider a large part of my role simply curating the music you hear and learn, combining both your interests with your skill level and needs as an instrumentalist. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga

I started studying and playing drum set when I was 12, helped form and perform with a swing dance band as a teenager, and went on to study as an adult with Charlie Tappan, who worked with the legendary drum teacher Henry Adler. Through the course of my career I have performed in just about every style of music. I have played in parades and processions, local childrens' theatre and school musicals, club dates, concerts, recording, and dances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

When teaching both voice and piano I find music literacy vital. In younger students first developing aural skills, I like to sing and repeat tonal and rhythmic patterns. I also give handout assignments to learn notes on the staff. With older and more experienced students, I devote time in each lesson to sight reading and sight singing. I use the Adventure series books for all of my piano students, as well as outside literature. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children, teens, and adults who are Voice students at any level, their first lesson will consist of getting to know each other, what the student wants to learn, and gauging the student's vocal ability. After that, I will ask the student to make a list of songs they have always wanted to sing and show them how to acquire the sheet music. I may supplement their choices with some of my own at my discretion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 5 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my studio for the last 2 years. 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 singing/the instrument. I've also found that a combination of technical exercises and songs that students love can go a long way in helping students enjoy singing/piano/flute and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More