Music Lessons in Upper West Side, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe it is important for voice and piano students to have a basic understanding of music theory, as well as technique. I pull material from a variety of sources. For piano, I typically use Bastien and/ or Hal Leonard. For voice, I build a build upon the "legit" classical foundation of voice training (Similar to a dancer learning ballet first, before other forms of dance) Following that, I cultivate my students to find their own particular genre of vocal style. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I typically like to start lessons with a warm up, and this is a good opportunity to see what level a student's technique is at. I immediately address anything that I see to be problematic in the student's technique, and we start working on ways to improve it as soon as possible. These can be simple exercises and when I see that my students are improving in these exercises and that their technique has gotten better, I always make sure that they also notice the difference and give them a sense of accomplishment. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I directly relate my teaching methods to Dr. Jan Kagrice, the founder of Musician's Wellness of North America; an organization that rehabilitates musicians with conditions that affect their ability to play their instruments. I've continued her teachings of a relaxed, observational form of playing, which basically means that my students learn how to play a brass instrument with the least amount of effort possible with the best sound possible. The method is also very body-oriented, with healthy stretches and focus on a sustainable way to play these instruments. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching style is very cut and dry.SLOW DOWN. Learning an istrument is an adventure so take your time and enjoy the journey.Remember it's not a race but a marathon. practicing daily and setting goals is highly recommended for a student to stay motivated and inspired. It's very rewarding when my students overcome an obstacle in their playing. The light Goes on, it clicks and they just get it. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

My teaching experience dates back in college. I never thought that teaching would be a passion of mine until I began teaching privately 7 years ago. The first question I like to ask my students is what inspired you to play the saxophone and what are their overall goals. Where do they want to reach and strive for when playing their desired instrument? Based on the students' goals, I will gear my instruction towards my the needs and desires of the student and give them the best experience possible I began teaching students from my church who were eager to learn the saxophone. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

As an award-winning flutist, I am a solo, orchestral and chamber musician. I perform with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Casals Festival Of Puerto Rico, the Philharmonia Symphony Orchestra, and Camerata Filarmónica, among others. My experience includes performances with conductors such as Pablo Heras-Casado, Maximiano Valdés, Carlos Miguel Prieto, Victor Yampolsky, and Kenneth Kiesler. In 2014, Cosme was appointed artistic director of the summer orchestra " New Symphonic Project". My passion for chamber music, orchestral ensemble, and the awareness to promote concert lead me to the Zafra Wind Quintett (2011), Cosme-Zook Duo (2015) and the Puerto Rico Summer Music Festival (2015). Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Synthesizer Keyboard

My teaching style is a mixture of a relaxed, conversational feel combined with strong focus. I will constantly insist on stern focus on the material being played- offering big picture ideas as to why a piece is being practiced in a certain way, while asking the student to tell me why such and such a method makes sense. Very small mistakes in the music will be cause to stop and refocus. Read More