Music Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

To me, the student's journey ALWAYS comes first, and I believe that is why I have been able to have been teaching for 20 years. Most of my students stay with me for up to 11 years as I teach them how to speak music fluently by studying several genres and perhaps multiple instruments. I am extremely passionate about each of my students, being very diligent to 'see' the individual for who they are, sculpt and carve a very unique custom path to success on their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Seeing a student progress is the whole reason why we love teaching! I make it a point to give positive feedback as much as possible while still addressing what the student needs to work on. A student will become motivated once they see improvement in themselves. I utilize motivators that I have experienced throughout my career, such as finding a drummer that really speaks to me, and trying to mirror them language wise, or stylistically. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have taught violin in private Catholic schools for four years and have taught privately for over 12 years. I am on faculty at Summertrios and the Lake Placid Chamber Music Institute, which are adult amateur chamber music camps. My students have ranged in age from 3 all the way to 83, so I know and understand that there are numerous methods and techniques that go into teaching. I focus on what the individual student needs rather than rely on one particular method over the other. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trombone Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Accordion Harmonica Lap Steel Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

Michael is a musical director, lyricist/composer, and music producer with an extremely varied background. He formed a medieval ensemble to perform at the premier of ROBIN AND MARIAN, and a Country-Western band for the South African equivalent of the Kentucky Derby. Hes a former musical director for National Lampoon's live shows and television specials, including CLASS OF '86, for which he also wrote several songs. Other television work includes the soundtrack for PBS BIOGRAPHY, LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS, CNN TRAVEL SERIES, and the Jane Leeves sitcom THROB. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners to the guitar, bass or banjo I usually start with the basic notes and chord shapes. When they progress and for more advanced students, I introduce reading tab, music, scales and basic chord progressions. For advanced students I generally work with modes, finer technique and advanced sightreading, chordal and modal melodies. To work in practice exercises I typically bury them in pieces the student enjoys to better get the hang of them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I learned some chords on Guitar from my hippy uncle. After a few weeks, I started teaching him, and he is 60 years old. Point is, he would listen to songs on the radio like songs from The Beatles and then teach me them. I would hear the chords and realize that he might be playing a similar chord, but not the exact chord. I would play the chord for him and then he would be impressed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Orchestral Percussion Conga Djembe

As someone with diverse training with multiple instruments and styles, I am very determined to teaching my students and having them become the best they can be at their instrument. I am firm, but patient and understand that practicing the right way is more important than practicing frequently. I am able to work as slow or fast as a student needs; it all depends on their comfortable pace. When my students accomplish their goals, whether it be learning a piece, perfecting a new technique, or gaining experience performing live, it will be incredibly rewarding for both of us. Read More