Music Lessons in Phelps, NY

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute

I will work with each student to help them understand the fundamentals of jazz, for example, knowing major scales, minor scales, and all of the modes that we typically see in most jazz repertoire. For students that are more advanced we will work on learning how to play over common chord progressions and learn how to play songs found in the Great American Songbook. For students at a higher level, we can work on cementing more advanced techniques such as how to play over chord substitutions. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Music Djembe

I graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Jazz Studies: Drum Set from the Eastman School of Music, studying music theory (aural and written), music history, and composition in addition to drum set and Jazz vibraphone. During my master's degree, I taught two courses taken by Eastman and University of Rochester students (drum set lessons, and also a basic drum set class). I have worked at American Music Centre (a music store/ school in Rochester) as a drum set and percussion instructor, and have multiple years experience teaching students from ages 3 to adult. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that the biggest rewards in life come through the satisfaction that is felt after accomplishing a goal that you have set out to achieve. Everybody is different when it comes to what those goals are but through similar means, we all find our way to some level of success. This is how I approach private instruction. The role of a teacher I believe is that of a guide and mentor. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning children, I typically like to use the Alfred series of beginner books depending on the instrument. I also like the students to rely on their ears just as equally, so the other half of the lesson is usually dedicated to learning music without relying on reading music. Of course, this is all dependent on the student's needs or prior experience. More importantly, I want to teach the student what they are truly interested in with music, and I have plenty of material to discuss if they are unsure of this interest. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I started a band while I was in college and we were playing consistently up until March. In recent years I have found that many music lessons tend to boil down to the student practicing material given to them, and the teacher telling them if they played "good" or "bad." This process is repeated every lesson and an unfortunate number of students drop music. This is so sad to me, and I would like to help change this. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I was also able to volunteer and teach in Chicago music institutions such as the Merit School of Music and Sistema Ravinia. Helping students at all stages of life and development has been inexplicably rewarding to me, as I got to explore all facets of music whether it be playing technique, musical artistry, ensemble work, and much more! I hope to continue to learn from further interactions with the diverse community of musicians everywhere I go! Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

The most important aspect of music, for me, is to enjoy what you are doing. I entered the world of music as an escape from my rigorous Engineering curriculum. The last thing I want is for my students to become too stressed or frustrated with their learning. Therefore, I ensure that all students go at a comfortable pace while setting challenging, but realistic, goals for themselves. I will work with my students to set a list of goals and push them in that direction so they can experience the satisfaction that comes with such accomplishments. Read More