Music Lessons in Petersham, MA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

One of my greatest musical accomplishments is my time spent with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corp from Rosemont Illinois. This world class ensemble of both Musicians and athletes rehearse, perform, and compete for a 90 day period of time perfecting and polishing a show that goes up against other world class ensembles. Our modo for the summer was something that I truly bought into; Focus on the details and love always. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I'm an enthusiastic, energetic, kind and dedicated music instructor. As passionate as I am about music, I am even more so about the students I teach. I graduated from the University of Connnecticut, Storrs, with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in 1972, and a Master of Music degree, with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy in 1980. As an undergraduate my major instruments were piano and trombone. I was in the UConn Marching Band and had the great fortune to perform on my trombone in Europe during the 1970 Marching Band Tour. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe

I am a passionate and motivated teacher, who loves working with students of all ages. I am primarily a saxophone player, but love learning new instruments. In 2020, I graduated from UMass Lowell with a Bachelor’s in Music Studies. In 2022, I graduated with a Master’s in Music Education. I enjoy teaching and performing with the New England Youth Wind Ensembles in Lowell, MA. In these ensembles, I provide individual and group lessons to middle and high school students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have played in many venues with many groups in Connecticut, Boston, New York City, and Portland, Oregon. Genres I enjoy include jazz, bossanova, classic rock, blues and pop. Genres I enjoy teaching include most anything that the student wants to learn. If students would like to perform a song in front of other peers, I offer opportunities for that as well in local venues; however, there's no pressure to perform in front of people unless the student wishes to! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

I teach strictly by the John Thompson Book Series, Grade 1, Grade 2, and Advanced level. I also make it a goal for the student to learn one major classical piece throughout the course of instruction: "Fur Elise" by Beethoven, or "Moonlight Sonata: 1st Movement" by Beethoven. You will learn how to sight-read and also how to notate. If you want learn how to write your music I can help with that too. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

It depends on the age of the student, but there are plenty of method books and pieces that can both teach a student music theory and notation, as well as their performance skill. With beginners its perfect to start with the Rubank series from Beginner-Intermediate. Many students are given the "Standard of Excellence" series by their school teacher and that series works as well. I believe these books are a great start, but can get old fast. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More