Piano Lessons in Hartland, CT

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

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I believe that aside from developing a sense of accomplishment and pride in my students, as they improve on their instrument, it is essential that from the beginning they learn to sight read, and this is especially true on the piano. The joy that they derive in their later years, when the lessons stop, when they are able to pick up a piece of music and play it, is invaluable. 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

There are many method books available, one that I have used is "Piano Adventures" by Nancy and Randall Faber. There are many series of books now available with varied styles of music from beginning to intermediate levels such as those by Martha Mier, Robert Vandall and Christopher. Very young students and sometimes even those who are older have difficulty understanding musical notation and it is useful to teach them by rote while also improving reading skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Mandolin Conga

It is great to see the joy on students faces when they realize how good their progress is. I always knowledge their success in overcoming of obstacles they find on their way. It is also a joyful challenge for both, student and me, to find the way through greater difficulties when they arise. Then the success is even sweeter. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Synthesizer Euphonium Music Keyboard

I am no drill sergeant, but I wont lie to you either. I know when you've practiced and when you haven't. I encourage you and always be honest with you about your progress. I am on your side and want you to succeed.  That being said, I have a fairly structured lesson. Starting with a breif warm up, we wilk touch upon a review of the previous lesson, technique drills, and then the music we are currently workung on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More