Music Lessons in Seneca Castle, NY

Instruments: Piano

For young students starting piano lessons for the first time, I recommend either Bastien or Hal-Leonard method books. I also encourage the development of aural skills, rhythm, and note reading through games and listening assignments. I develop technique from the upper arm down, starting with muscles that are larger and easier to control. For adults, I cater my lessons and teaching to the needs of each student. I encourage being intellectually curious and experimental in approach to piano playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching electric guitar and bass in high school. My approached involved a degree of a musical philosophy. Sometimes we would go outside and listen to the sounds of the train going by, the wind, the birds, cars etc in an almost meditative approach to learn to appreciate that music is all around us. We catch the musical wind with the sails of our instruments when we improvise. I also taught beginner's upright bass at a music camp. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I love to see progress and excitement in my students. This shows that I am doing my job as a teacher! I always have a plan for the start and end of each lesson where we will discuss what we'll be doing during the lesson and then discuss what is to be practiced for the next lesson. I try to make lessons as fun as possible so I incorporate some games to make practice more exciting. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

At my current day job, I am a music teacher at an art-centered music program for adults with varying levels of physical and developmental disabilities. We work on elements of music history, theory, and performance which culminate in a thematic bi-monthly performance. I focus on the needs of each person while still maintaining a fun and engaging group class atmosphere through repetition and a consistent schedule. I also teach private lessons and have taught people from all different age groups and abilities. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

The first thing a teacher must do is figure out how to motivate a student to practice. This can be done differently for different students. I will list some things that I have found that work. 1) Set a practice schedule/timer/alarm 2) I work on mindset and practice techniques to reduce practice session frustration/anxiety and increase positivity and feel good emotions 3) The student selects songs to practice in addition to scales, lesson book or repertoire 4) Parental support and priority 5) Listening to music outside of lesson 6) Practice one concept at a time 7) Limit faster passages to smaller groups of notes, practice slow with different patterns. 8) more in lesson!....... Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

My method in teaching depends on the instrument and the age. For beginners on band instruments and piano, I would start them with a method book of their choosing (though I would steer them in a good direction). For guitar and drumset, the use of method books is fine...but this would not be my first approach. It is important for students to be familiar and fluent in music notation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach with a casual, approachable, student-based technique which brings about progress at the student's individual pace. I enjoy connecting with students' creativity as their skills grow and watching their ability to express themselves musically. Music is an art, and expression through music is an amazing personal experience. I receive great rewards in being a part of the journey as students discover a deeper sense of who they are and what they can communicate through this unique and amazing form of expression. Read More