310-935-4532
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24 Years
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Lakewood . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Accordion
I want to figure out what inspires a student. We will hone in on personal goals and use that as a basis for instruction. Motivation is key! I typically use a style of traditional classical instruction. Including scales, studies, and repertoire. I teach sight reading and ear training. I use memorization, and critical listening skills. I can teach from the beginning levels all the way up to concert playing. I can also teach other genres of music if the student desires. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
I have been playing the piano since the age of 8. I always loved learning new music and I try to pass that love on to my students. I work with them to practice efficiently and to bring out the best in them. I love working with adults as well as children and about half of my class are adults. I try to have a good sense of humor with all my students. Read More
Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe English Horn Acoustic Guitar
Music is experienced ears-first, and that's how I prefer to teach. I certainly teach everyone to read music if they don't already know how, but I really like to help people hear the music they want to make. This is done through listening assignments, playing with my students during lessons, some music memorization, and singing. I also incorporate a lot of improvisation games to get students making sounds pressure-free and help them access their inner expressive voice. Read More
Instruments: Piano
My teaching style revolves around engaging with students on a deeper level to explore the character and emotional essence of each musical work. Recognizing that every student possesses a unique personality and temperament, I adapt my approach to align with their individual needs and learning styles. I firmly believe that fostering a consistent practice routine, such as dedicating at least 20 minutes per day, not only enhances their piano skills but also instills valuable life habits that contribute to their overall development. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard
My philosophy is to teach the student what they want to learn while including basic music theory. I feel it’s important they know what they are doing from the inside out and why. I plan performance opportunities for the students month. This gives each student a tangible goal to work toward. I emphasize that music is another language we can communicate with. Every time we practice we perfect our ability to communicate more fully. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
Aside from Faber and Alfred, I also have Bastien method books that I have taught from during my decade of piano teaching experience. Of course, these aren't the only method books I have come to uncover. As for voice, I have a set of vocal warm up scales from major and minor scales and patterns that my own former voice teacher has provided me. I am very familiar with all the warm up techniques as well as breathing and how warming up techniques need to closely connect with the breathing. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I like to play audio/recordings for the students when possible, so that the student has an idea of the style, or the piece that we are studying. This gives them something to reference to, but also gives them an aural aspect in their playing/practice habits. I also model for them constantly, so that they get more visual and aural reinforcement. I sometimes give them short music concept/vocabulary assignments, such as learning the names of the notes on the staff, counting rhythms, meters, etc; all having to do with music theory and musical concepts that can be directly applied to their practical aspect of playing. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I played at a religious gathering several times called Bethel Family Night, at Wallkill NY. I played, along with a small group, such tunes as Walk Don't Run, Perfidia, and Classical Gas. On another occasion i played solo fingerstyle guitar, Windy and Warm, Both Sides Now and a couple of other songs. There was over 1000 people present. One one occasion I received applause just walking on stage.
My brother Joe and I played in a small combo a few times doing Allman Brothers material, Billy Joel songs and Hollies "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" among other songs
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My older brother Terry played guitar such as Ventures and other kinds of Surf, country and pop music. I just love the sound of the guitar, in all forms of music.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
For guitar, a child's hand size is important in order to purchase the right size instrument. For example, I had an 8-year-old student who plays a 3/4 size guitar. A young student needs an appropriate attention span as well. I adjust according to their attention span.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I did not have any teachers, our family could not afford music lessons. I learned from books and occasional visits with other players. No regular, structured lessons.
When will I start to see results?
Probably right away, but the word "results" is open to interpretation. Will you be able to slowly play a very simple song or part of a song after the first lesson? That is always my goal.
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Regularity is key, even a few minutes a day is helpful. I find for myself that 3 times a week and a minimum of 2 hour is best. Playing very slowly, along with a metronome, has been very beneficial for me. As a student progress, he can increase his metronome speed to an acceptable BPM for the song.
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The left hand is the hardest for me to master. My hands are smaller so I only have a 4 fret stretch. As I play more I am noticing a small increase in my left hand stretch though.
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I ask the students what they want to learn, then try to teach them something that they can learn quickly. Then they feel a sense of accomplishment early. I progress thru an explanation of notes, intervals and chords, strumming patterns etc.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
15-minute review of songs I know well, 30 minutes learning new chords, scales and songs, then 15 minutes writing and recording something new. I also review music theory after actual playing time.
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
There is no one particular piece but Chet Atkins songs such as Black Mountain Rag, Blue Angel, Hellacious, as well as Jerry Reed songs such as Jerry's Breakdown. Also some Tommy Emmanuel songs
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Electronics technician or other technical work such as computer work. Technical work and music seem to go hand in hand since music has a definite foundation in physics and guitars often incorporate electronics
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Fingerstyle songs that use the right hand thumb playing a bass string accompaniment while the right hand fingers play the main melody. Classic fingerstyle guitar is very entertaining to an audience
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I do not play a second instrument but I dabble in keyboards and would like to learn violin. I dabble in keyboards mainly because it helps me to grasp music theory a little better.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Grandparents, uncles, cousins and brothers all play. Some were touring musicians; some were recording engineers but most of us were just ones who played for ourselves or family and friends. I am presently trying to teach my 5 year old great grandson very basic music theory and simple songs on piano [3 Blind Mice]
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
After retirement, I had more time to devote to guitar. I do not gig much anymore but I hope to make a little extra money by teaching because it will keep me in the music world at some level.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Lakewood to students of all ages and abilities.
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