Music Lessons in Shelton, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that you never stop learning. Even when you are teaching. Thus I am not the teacher to show up without my own equipment and sit quietly while on plays what I gave them the week before. Everything will be done together. Iron sharpens iron. Goals will be realistic but challenging. Each session will include a review of everything else that's been worked on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

I'm a passionate, motivated, and organized instructor who loves working with my students to share my love of music. I graduated from Northwestern University this June with my Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Saxophone Performance. I maintained a studio of six saxophone, piano, and percussion students while earning my degree, so I am very experienced with private teaching! As a saxophone player, woodwinds are my specialty. I am very comfortable teaching saxophone, clarinet, and flute, in addition to non woodwind instruments like piano and percussion. Read More

Instruments: Flute

My teaching style requires the students to be consistent with their practice and warm ups, which helps to make lessons more efficient and allow students to see faster improvement. For all of my students, I put a lot of emphasis on the fundamentals of a woodwind player, which focuses on student's posture, embouchure, fingering, and breath support. From studying with Carol Wincenc and Karimi Furugh, I learned how closely linked our voice is to the flute. Read More

Instruments: Drums

While at MSM, Ryan worked at Motts Hall II as a percussion teacher for their outreach program. After graduation, he would perform with Phil Markowitz, Jimmy Bruno, Zach Brock, and John Escreet and become a rotating member of the Christian Sands Trio. Notable past performances include a month-long residency in Shanghai for Lincoln Center, Boston Celebrity Series, Jordan Hall, Umbria Jazz, and EFG London Jazz Festival. Ryan is currently working as the primary drummer for the New York-based improv group Altus, and leading his band, the Ryan Sands Trio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Clarinet

I tend to stress fundamentals when it comes to what my philosophy of teaching is. I argue that the more time is spent on fundamentals, the better technique the student will have later on. The challenge comes into play with the fact the fundamentals can get tedious and boring! It is my duty to share creativity and fun ways of practicing the basics so my students can grow while enjoying what they are doing! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically will start them on a method book such as The Yamaha series, and start them on the basic pedagogy of the clarinet and saxophone,ie; putting the instrument together, putting the reed on the mouthpiece, setting the embouchure, etc. I will emphasize the importance of practicing; beginners, 5 times a week for 20 minutes, so they can succeed in learning their instrument. For Intermediate students, in Middle and High School for example, I will include the reportoire they are playing in their school performing groups, so they can excel in those. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

After graduating from the Conservatory, I taught privately and performed in the Boston area as well as touring throughout the United states. After moving to Maine, I was hired to teach private lessons and assist with faculty and student performances at Colby College. In addition to teaching at Colby, I performed with orchestras, jazz ensembles, pop bands and African drum ensembles in Maine & Europe. Currently, I am living in Connecticut and teach at Miss Porter's School and privately at my home studio, as well as performing with a jazz group and a pipe & drum marching band. Read More