Piano Lessons in Bristol, CT

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

For all students, I enjoy individualizing each students lessons. I talior each lesson, to whatever the student wants to learn. I enjoy allowing my students the freedom to pick what style of music they would like to learn and we go from there. I make sure that the style we are learning are both enjoyable and challenging to ensure the student is always learning and growing as a musician. For beginner piano students, I use the book drill it or kill it by Kathi Kerr. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

My teaching style really depends on the student taking the lessons. It's important to set realistic goals each week for students that way they can progress at his or her own pace. Recognizing accomplishments goes a long way to fuel a student's desire to progress and makes the student coming back to learn more. By finding out what inspires the student to play, I can tailor my methods to their own wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I work with many free online resources - both for repertoire and for the teaching of music theory. I am also able to provide numerous options of method books for the student to pick from, for purchase. Finally, I am able to provide historical documents - particularly, keyboard treatises and methods - that famous composers used. In this way, I use my early music and music history interests practically in my teaching, grounding students soundly in well-established, historical, pedagogical traditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and began playing piano at age 9 with the help of my older sister who also played piano. During my high school years, I focused on composition, which became my main area of study during college. Through my college training at the University of California in Santa Cruz and San Jose State University I supported myself by giving piano lessons, playing organ and piano for churches, and working as a freelance pianist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

For novice students, I will most likely start with a method book such as one from the Essential Element's series. However, I will typically move students through the method book quickly and get right into performance repertoire that is appropriate for their age and level. Composing your own pieces and learning to improvise are extremely important in my method of teaching so I will also start teaching students how to write their own music as soon as possible. Read More