Music Lessons in Upper West Side, NY

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I begin my Classical students with the Julian Sagreras guitar method book, then move into the Aaron Shearer Learning the Classic Guitar series. Once students have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, we begin on solo repertoire. For contemporary styles, I prefer to start complete beginners on the Hal Leonard guitar method books, and then I encourage them to seek out artists that they enjoy. In all of my lessons, students will analyze chord structures, sing and dictate melodies, and learn history about the guitar and general music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a music lover/performer/composer/teacher who loves spreading the joy of music. I have an Associates Degree in fine arts for Bristol Community College where I studied all aspects of performance, music history, and composition. I started teaching music when I was seventeen years old and have teaching ever since. I have spent the majority my post college years performing as a freelance drummer and guitarist for dozens of musical acts in addition to teaching privately and in class settings in Boston, San Francisco, and NYC. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

Most importantly, we are all here to have fun and enjoy playing music.  I always encourage my students to take risks, have a laugh and ask questions.  I work to build the student's confidence in their playing, ability to practice well, ability to perform in public and ability to be comfortable making mistakes.  We all progress at various rates and progress at any level is an accomplishment that each student should be proud to achieve.  If a student or parent of a student expresses their interested to move forward in a serious capacity, I am more than happy to encourage such movement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

The books I recommend purchasing for piano students is much more dependent on their goals and level of playing. Older drum students can expect to study concepts such as The Rudimental Ritual by Alan Dawson. Older piano students can expect to study chart reading found in The Real Book. I have ideas regarding lesson plans for students but my most important goal is to understand what the student WANTS to study and help them achieve their short term and long term goals in music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am passionate about anything and everything music-related. I have studied and teach the guitar, piano, bass and also have an in-depth knowledge of music theory. I am particularly interested in the genres of metal, jazz, jazz-fusion, and ragtime music, although I have experience teaching other genres like classical, pop, funk, and blues. Some of my favorite bands/artists to name a few are Dream Theater, Allan Holdsworth, Jacob Collier, Tigran Hamasyan, Meshuggah, Alex Machacek, Animals as Leaders, Polyphia and Chick Corea. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I've been teaching private lessons consistently for 8 years. I first started teaching when I was in high school, helping other students understand points about theory and improvisation. Music lessons have so many different things to offer to people, so I believe in letting people take from lessons what will best serve them. If people are looking to get more serious about the instrument, I'll focus on building a practice regimen with them, and methodically expanding their technical and musical ability. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

It is important that the student comes to their own realizations about playing using me as a guide, rather than being spoon-fed the information. Knowing how each student learns most efficiently is critical to success in a lesson, and I believe that each student should be taught using as multiple instructional methods as well, including sound, sight, and feel. By learning early on why the student chose their instrument and what they hope to get out of it, I can easily find a path to success that is both efficient and exciting. Read More