Music Lessons in Upper West Side, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I will ask you to stick with lessons even through struggles of slow progress so that you will not have to synthesize quite as much information on your own and to practice consistently to achieve the best results. Keep the video of your first lesson and review it occasionally, then see how far you've come. Play in front of people as much as you can, and build ways to maintain composure as you perform. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For young students, we pick beginning repertoire to use based on the kid's and parents' interests. As we explore the interests of the student within our initial framework, I continue to make suggestions as to where we may have the best success. For adults, I teach based on the interests of the student; however, I also encourage a jazz and classical-based pursuit, as this will inform most other styles of music and strengthen the performance ability and musicality of the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For a beginning student on guitar, I have them learning notes from a Hal Leonard, Mel Bay, or Alfred starter book. All these books are great, but I believe it depends on the individual student and how they learn. I also teach tab to beginners. I feel it is important to read tabs these days as well as notes. I also work with music theory. It is also important to know what you are doing, not just putting your fingers on the strings. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Other roles include Henrietta M. (The Mother of Us All), Mdchen (Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny) Hansel (Hansel und Gretal). Scene work includes: Angelina (La Cenerentola), Carmen/Mercedes (Carmen), Alica (Lucia di Lammermoor), Sesto (La clementza di Tito), Erika (Vanessa), and Babs (Roman Fever). Along with performing, Kathleen is passionate about creating music and making it accessible for all people. In 2016 she co-founded City Lyric Opera, a New York City based opera. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I either utilize the "Robyn Method" (Keyboard Town); or the "Clark Method" (The Music Tree). Both methods provide emphasis on intervalic reading of notes, in addition to learning the specific names of all notes in both clefs. For adult beginners, I typically use "Play by Choice" or the Robyn Method. These methods help prepare the intermediate students for learning and playing the scales, including the Hannon exercises and playing the arpeggios. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Piccolo

I use different method books, depending on the student's age and past experience (if any). I particularly like the Alfred methods, but I supplement this with solo books and duets. For duets, I like the Alfred Learn to Play Duets, but also the Selected Duets (Rubank) series. I think it's very important for any student to play solos with piano and once students know a few notes, there are really nice pieces they can do. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

For guitar (beginners), I use Mel Bay's Modern Guitar book. For vocalists interested in jazz, I'll use The Real Vocal Book for material, and to teach out of, I'll use my beginner piano and guitar books for sight reading, and teach my own techniques from memory. I can work on any song the student might want to learn. I aim to work with the students at whatever level they’re at. Read More