Music Lessons in Southbridge, MA

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Violin

My teaching experience dates back to my high school days, as I began teaching under the mentorship of my orchestra director. Since then, I have continued teaching privately, in public schools, and at the university level. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

My teaching style is fairly laid-back, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. This allows me the freedom to tailor the instruction to the specific needs of the student and successfully find what creates their individual passion. I also believe that - especially in creative mediums like music and art - every negative critique I point out needs to be accompanied by at least two positive critiques. This positive reinforcement will help push students to progress rather than pushing them down, and all I want is to see the people I teach grow as both budding musicians and people. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Clarinet

For beginner piano students I generally work out the Faber Piano Adventures and for adults I use The Older Beginner Piano Course by Bastien. For Flute students I use the Trevor Wye Beginners Book for the Flute. Clarinet I use the Rubank Method books. Once the essentials are learned I will add in various solo pieces and other method books pending on each student and their music interests. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am very relaxed in my teaching style and love the satisfaction of teaching privately. I choose to teach privately due to the heightened intensity of interaction with students and the fact that we can create a process that is uniquely adapted to the needs of each student. I have expectations for my students and they have expectations for me. I love that. I know and understand that if a student does not understand the method, technique, or approach I am trying to teach, it is not the student's fault, it is mine. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My teaching experience starts even while I was in high school. I would volunteer to help the middle school band students to coach them and get them ready for competitions. I also volunteered with the Seattle Music Partners where we went into schools that lost their music program and we taught students after school as their only means of connection to this art in schools. While in college I was a co-coordinator and participant in a Music Mentor Program where we took college students and matched them with students from the local middle school in Oberlin. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching private piano lessons while pursuing my Bachelor of Music at the University of New Hampshire, via the university-sponsored "Piano Extension Program". This program allowed undergraduate students with sufficient skills in piano performance to gain experience teaching a small number of students on a weekly basis. Students benefited from monthly group sessions, which were set up like master classes and designed to give everyone a chance to show off their newly acquired skills. Read More