Music Lessons in Peter Cooper Village, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For my piano students, I like to use a mixture of books from the Alfred, Bastien, and John W. Schaum collections. I eventually assign more advanced solo repertoire as the student progresses. For my vocal students, I pick music based on their interests and vocal qualities. I have taught my students musical theater, opera, art song, gospel, pop, and many other styles throughout the years. I also like to make sure my students have a solid understanding in music theory and often give out worksheets that help them practice how to sight read, recognize different key signatures, and more. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students we usually start with sitting at 2 drum sets and learning to hold the sticks. It's then about trying to get the sticks to strike the drum and practice getting a nice sound on the instrument. Even at a young age, it's important to help the students to think about tone and how we are creating sound on these instruments. I use the same technique on the vibes, learning to hold 2 or 4 mallets and just creating simple sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

I want each lesson to be exciting and productive for each student. I have different methods for each student's particular needs and desires, but the primary goal is that the student has fun and enjoys their lessons. For students who would like to learn classical music I have extensive training in repertoire. I also play duets with students, and play along with recordings. I this helps students to learn skills like intonation and sight reading, but primarily they are just really fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As an instrumentalist I have toured the country with many projects and performed at a variety of notable venues across the country including NECs Jordan Hall, The Lillypad, Outpost 186, Wallys, Birdland, The Freight and Salvage, The Firehouse Space, and John Zorns The Stone. As an educator I have eight years of experience in private studio and have given workshops at the middle school, high school, and college level including recent outreach work with the Boston Philharmonic to underfunded schools in the Boston area. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As the author of this novel concept in the field of harmonization, Mr. Maksym R. has made unique discoveries in instrumental playing principles. For example, he teaches musicians to create spontaneously, and in diverse ways on the piano, often using innovative harmonic solutions. Furthermore, as a researcher in the field of piano improvisation, Mr. Maksym R. has developed a virtuoso performance technique that does not require warming up the fingers, or getting used to an unfamiliar keyboard, which allows the musician to always be at peak performing condition. Read More

Instruments: Double Bass Music

I began teaching in college 6 years ago and have helped students successfully prepare for and win ensemble auditions at the college level. For the double bass, perhaps the most athletic instrument, I know it is imperative to focus on proper posture and technique to avoid injury. This bodily awareness (rooted in years of yoga practice) is a central part of my teaching philosophy. As a composer, I encourage my students to pursue their passions by creating works for the bass that draws on what we have been learning in the studio and practicing at home. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching style is relaxed and encouraging of every student. No student should be made to feel less than, regardless of what experience level they are bringing to the studio. Respectful interaction and gentle redirection has served me well when working with students, even when they become frustrated. It is important to reassure and encourage while also pointing the student towards the methods and exercises that will serve them to overcome any current obstacles they are facing vocally. Read More