Music Lessons in Stony Brook, NY

Instruments: Double Bass

I've had unique experiences teaching in classroom and individual settings. I also have experience with coaching both jazz and classical ensembles. I've collaborated many times with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles as a coach and collaborative performer with the students. Similarly, I've performed and coached with the EMMI Chamber Orchestra at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California. I've coached at various middle school and high school orchestra programs in the Capistrano Unified School District in California, since graduating from the Colburn Conservatory. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time over 20 years ago. 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. I've also found that teaching a combination of various musical styles can go a long way in helping students thoroughly enjoy drumming and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and "I Can Read Music" to get acquainted with the basic techniques of the instrument and note reading. It is always more fun to play with others, so I typically start playing duets with students as early as possible. For older and more advanced students, I begin with scales and etudes suited towards their needs, followed by a solo or concerto piece for cello, and then end the lesson with a duet or time to work on orchestral music, improvising, or any fun piece that the students request. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mandolin Lute Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a musician, educator, and researcher, I explore how music serves as a portal to the human experience. From my first garage band to playing at Carnegie Hall, my life as a musician has taken me to concert venues all over the world and through the hallowed halls of some of our most venerable institutions of learning. However, my driving motivation to live a musical life comes from the sharing and exploration of musical knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginning students I typically start with an elementary band method (Yamaha, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, etc..). We focus on basic tone production, finger technique, note reading, and playing simple songs. Once the student is comfortable we begin to work out of a duet book. This gives the student a chance to "perform" with me at each lesson, tends to accelerate progress, and is fun! For advanced students we can focus on particular areas of interest.Whether jazz, classical or popular music is your focus, refining various aspects of tone and technique are always incorporated into the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I began playing violin at the age of 12. Over the years, I developed my skills further by joining my local community orchestra and getting lessons from renowned instructor pedagogues. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2017, where I performed regularly with the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestra, and learned about how to teach students both individually and in a school setting. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a professional jazz guitarist for 30 years and have performed, recorded and toured with many outstanding musicians including Bill Carrothers, Dave King, Michael Lewis, Daniel Carter, Sean Wayland, Matthias Bublath, Willie Wisely, Mark Ledford, Funky Town Studios and TROMA Films. I received my BFA from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis studying with award-winning composer Judith Lang-Zaimont and passionately pursuing jazz and classical guitar performance. 
 Since I was 19, I have established myself as a dynamic, hard-working musician who offers a highly creative style, deep love of music, and an unwavering commitment to improve the quality my music and teaching abilities. Read More