Piano Lessons in Islip, NY

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

I always find out what the student likes and use that material as a format for developing good playing techniques and understanding, For beginners it's important to get it right from the start so playing and enjoyment can develop naturally. By immediately choosing songs they love the inspiration and motivation to practice will grow along with there playing. For intermediate students we balance repertoire and practice of the essentials such as scales, arpeggios, chord scales, triads 7th chords , melodies and progressions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I began teaching while in college and have now been teaching for 11 years.  My students have ranged in age from 3-60.  Since getting my Suzuki Flute certification in 2008,  I have found the Suzuki method a great way to start young beginners.  In addition to giving private lessons, I taught group flute classes for 3 years with the Harmony Program  My students are encouraged to participate in ensembles, competitions and recitals as having such goals is a great motivation for practice and musical growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

I think voice especially has always been viewed as a bit of a mystery... you can't see or touch your voice as you sing, unlike playing instruments, so there's a certain amount of imagination that has to be involved. I do my best to straddle making singing as tangible as I can, and approach things somewhat scientifically ("This muscle is used in this way," etc.) while also inspiring visualization ("Send your sound out into the distance," etc.) I also really think it's important for musicians to be diverse, so not only will we learn chord and strumming patterns on a guitar, we'll also learn how to read simple lead lines of solos, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Oboe English Horn Music

I always create my own custom lesson plans for my students that are tailored to each student's individual development, needs, and musical taste. A really important starting point for all of students is knowing what kind of music they love. I like to help my students develop a list of "goals", pieces, songs, styles, etc that they want to play and work up to, and I use this to create our lesson plans. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Piano Lessons should not only be interesting, engaging fun and exciting; they should also give students a solid musical grounding. Upholding high educational standards makes lessons gratifying and inspiring because students see themselves making real progress at the piano. Musical education is a many faceted endeavor. Its not enough just to present information to students. A teacher must also create an experience where a student feels engaged and inspired, and, ultimately, the goal for every student whether or not they go on to pursue music is to develop a love and appreciation for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching music in college through my babysitting network. When the mothers and fathers of the children I cared for found out that I played piano and woodwinds, many of them asked if I would also give their kids private lessons. Having a knack with kids and with music, my music teaching practice quickly blossomed in that small town. I have found that while it's important to keep kids sharp in their ability to read music on the page, it is at least as important to engage their creativity off the page. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I encourage students who only play piano to try accompanying other musicians or themselves in order to strengthen their skills, and I encourage singers to perform with a local choir, try out for school musicals, and generally volunteer their musical abilities in their community. However, I understand and fully support any student's desire to simply work on their skills for personal enjoyment. My teaching style reflects a strong emphasis on practice, relaxation, and courage. Read More