Music Lessons in Roxbury, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

For adolescent beginner piano students I recommend 'John Thompson's Earliest Piano Course'. In this series Books I-III build a strong base upon which a student can specialize in different genre and styles graduating from book III. For adult students beginning I would suggest John Thompon's Adult (or Modern) Piano Course. The pacing of this book is far more accelerated and more in keeping with an adult pace to work with. Read More

Instruments: Cello

But even if one method is widely used by famous educators and is believed to be fail-safe, for the one time this method does not work for a student, the teacher must be able to try something else. Perhaps most importantly, I make it a priority to include as much real music as possible from the start, so that the students experience musical playing early on. I hope that, in being a creative, inventive teacher, I will set up my students to be more creative themselves, and to love music from the very beginning. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I believe that the voice studio is a NO JUDGMENT ZONE. You have to make bad sounds to get to the good ones. True progress only happens when you allow yourself the luxury of letting go. AND PRACTICING!!!!! Read More

Instruments: Violin

For me, the best part of teaching is helping students grow, and helping them realize their musical abilities and self-reliance. I feel that my role as a teacher is to present new information or challenges, and aid the student in learning how to address those challenges on their own. I find that this encourages the students to want to learn more and more to expand their own musical and technical literacy, and it makes them much more prepared for individual practice, ensemble playing, and future challenges where they have to rely on themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

When I think of music, I always think of the quote: "Where words fail, music speaks," by Hans Christian Anderson.  When I am teaching, nothing means more to me than seeing one of my students who was shy and not confident with themselves grow into a confident and enthusiastic person, both with music and in their life. I believe it's important to make sure this happens by recognizing and acknowledging that every student progresses at their own pace, has different needs, and has a different personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

My preferred method of teaching for beginner students is my own adaptation of the Thompson method with strong emphasis on theory and technique. A study of intervalic relationships, chords and progressions combined with terminology, sight reading, ear training and form will provide the student with skills which will allow them to play any style and genre of music they desire. Although the Suzuki method seems to be popular today, I have discovered many short comings of this pedagogical approach and often renders a good pianist limited in their capabilities as a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

In lessons with beginner and intermediate students, I utilize the Rubank method books. Once a student has mastered those, we move onto etude books. I assign scale exercises and repertoire to all of my students, and I like to introduce beginner music theory when appropriate. My students practice duets and sight-reading in lessons with me, and this combination of materials gives the student the most comprehensive learning experience. I also encourage my students to bring any repertoire or music they find on their own to a lesson. Read More