Music Lessons in Oakland Gardens, NY

Instruments: Voice

Principally a stage performer, I've been teaching for about 5 years, beginning with a Master Class on Song Performance at the Shakespeare Theater Company. I've given individual lessons for about 2 years (professionally), specializing in musical theater and acting, helping young performers learn what I wish I had at their stage of career. These days, that often means translating years of theatrical training into on-camera audition technique (a specialty of mine). Should I be lucky enough to teach you, you'll hear the words "breath," "management," "stillness," "grounded," sometimes hyphenated with one another. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I love to see how much all of my students improve and overcome their "blocks" on the drums. I usually make a little recording of the new student on day 1 and then make them listen to it after a few lessons: It always surprises them to see how far they've gone! Those little accomplishments are a great motivation for my students to "keep at it" and continue progressing and growing as musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar

We can talk about: Instrumental Technique: Leaning to making a better, stronger, more in-tune and richer sound on your instrument. Improving how fast, and evenly your fingers can operate your instrument. Theoretical/Musical Technique: Ear Training - teaching you how to quickly recognize different chords, tonalities, and intervals just by hearing it once. Developing your ability to sing in tune! (A must for a good musician) Rhythm - working on metronome exercises, to develop a rock-steady internal clock to unlock your deepest possibly expression of the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Recorder Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard

I covered a little of this in previous paragraphs but I utilize the students ability to learn without the instrument in hand and utilize themselves as the instrument. One example of this is I tea h them to mark time with their feet and subdivide the best into qurters,eighths, etc... and then test them thru aural rhythmic dictation. Also with little children I work into the lesson movement thru pitch high and low and show SOUND thru spatial relationships. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I tailor my lessons to the needs of each student, no matter the level. I make sure to set goals that are attainable. I want my students to feel confident about their skills. I'm very open to questions and suggestions for music they want to sing. The more they enjoy it, the more they're likely to practice! I focus on their strengths while also working on their weaker areas. My degree in music therapy gives me unique skills when it comes to building relationships with my students. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Through my years of lessons and practice, I've narrowed down the fundamentals into two books based around Rock and Jazz: Ultimate Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice and Advanced Techniques for the modern drummer by Jim Chapin. I also teach rudiments through the practice pad to sharpen control and speed when playing drumset. Through these books and rudiments you'll build a solid foundation that will make learning more advanced grooves or fills easier to play. Read More