Piano Lessons in Hell S Kitchen, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

My teaching is based on the thought that everone can be comfortable with making music. Since comfort comes best when things are fun, I like to focus on music that the student likes. This usually involves improvising as soon as a student knows a few notes, which creates a chance for self-expression and leads to confidence in playing with others. I also place emphasis on phrasing, My experience is that many students get wrapped up in the mechanical process of playing at the expense of musicality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

As a multi-instrumentalists, I use a cross disciplinary approach even when a student is only learning one instrument. I do make use of method books for beginners, and the specific book depends upon the instrument, but I have my own methods and materials which I utilize in my lessons. Building a repertoire is encouraged, and I use the material to assist in instructing in theory and musical communication. My students are taught to be self-sufficient, by way of practice, study, and cultivating an "ear." Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My style of teaching is very much influenced by my amazing professors that I studied with in college. What I find most rewarding is when I teach students that truly practice and try their very best to improve and absorb the information. When the students' passion and thirst for improvement comes through to me it makes the lessons that much more engaging and fun. I am highly encouraging and very particular with practice routine, planning and structure. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

Studying jazz has also opened my eyes to the spontaneity of music, which is another important aspect of music that I try to encourage students to explore. While studying the classics is important, I think another vital element of maintaining a students' excitement in music study is for them to explore and delve into what it is that they enjoy, understanding how it's made, and figuring out why they like it, from a musical perspective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Working with novice piano students, I usually employ traditional method materials like Bastien or Thompson if the student is a child, and Alfred for adults. Though it is rare, and usually at the insistence of a parent, I can also use these methods with beginning guitar students. For advanced students, whose aim is to broaden an already substantial aquaintance with theoretical and compositonal studies, I use the "Guitar Grimoire" series by Adam Kadman. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

The best thing I can do as a teacher is help you realize the path of least resistance for achieving your goals. So, I have developed a style called the Dotted Line Approach. On the first day of lessons, we will discuss both short term and long term goals. Following this, we will develop a roadmap with smaller goals for each week, month, 3 months, and year. Each month, we will revisit your goals, discuss what is and what isn't working, and make plans to stay on track towards meeting your goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always start my lessons off with vocal exercises in order to assess the status of the voice and what we need to work on, and also what progress has been made since our last session, if any. In order to keep my students interested, I like to work on repertoire that theyre interested in and that they select. I definitely suggest pieces that I think might help practice areas of their vocal technique that they would like to improve, but I also want to make sure its music that they like and want to sing. Read More