Music Lessons in Somers, NY

Instruments: Voice Violin Electric Violin Music

I strive to make my lessons fun! Learning to do something you love should be fun. I enjoy teaching students especially when they have a strong passion for what they are doing. I encourage them to practice daily, if nothing else. I always say, even if it's only 10 minutes a day, that's better than 30 minutes only one day of the week! Even if you are very talented, you still must practice to get better. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Often I do use Mel Bay or Hal Leonard books to get a student started reading, but try to shift to popular music as soon as possible to keep the repertoire interesting and relevant for the student, as well has their families and peers. As the student develops, students will learn to expand on these ideas with theory based improvisation to "make the song their own." For More Advanced students, we can work from the Real or Fake Books, or the Ireel App to increase improvisational experience and confidence. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching style incorporates a fusion of what I learned from my teachers in Cuba, Poland and the US. I work with students in achieving a clarity in their performances, phrase inflection and right fingering for best interpretation results. I always give students choices for piano pieces they would prefer or feel more comfortable playing. At the same time I always try to address those pieces that can aid them develop the best technique through diverse styles from baroque, classic, romantic and contemporary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

During the first lesson, I have a short discussion with the student to see what their goals are. I also ask what about music interests them. I then ask them to perform anything of their choice to assess their ability level (if applicable). After that, I tell them what immediately needs to be addressed and how this will work with their longterm goal. Then, based on their progress, we set benchmark goals that are adjusted according to their pace. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My favorite moment is when the student hears himself or herself actually playing the beat or fill that I have been instructing. Reaching this point repeatedly keeps my students practicing and engaged in the process of learning drums. My teaching occurs both on the drumset and on the drum pad. Regular use of the drum pad builds rudimentary skills, grip and forearm strength, and patience and listening skills, all of which are necessary to get where we want to go. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I first began teaching while attending Berklee. I would substitute teach for upper classmen in local music schools in the Boston area. After Berklee I taught full time for one year at a local music store. While attending MSM I taught group classes in New York City middle schools on Clarinet and Flute. After MSM I started my full time teaching studio where I was on faculty at 3 schools in the Westchester area. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I love to have students have a conversation with me about their love for music. This is a great way to encourage them to continue with practicing outside of the lessons. If a student feels they are not happy with their voice on a certain exercise, I will modify the way I word something or have them try the exercise in a different way. This way, they feel the difference and can feel happier about the sound they are producing. Read More