Piano Lessons in Oakville, CT

Instruments: Piano

I am a compassionate, steady teacher. I believe in positive reinforcement paired with goals that students can be proud of meeting. I have high standards for my students in order that they progress, but at the same time I am understanding and kind in my style. Every lesson I give has clear instruction and at the end I outline a clear expectation for the next lesson. For example, what music needs to be practiced and what specific skills need to be focused on that week. Read More

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

In my opinion a big part of playing music is being creative, and a big part of being creative is having fun. When teaching I always make sure there is a positive environment that encourages learning and growth. I have found the best way for a student to learn and improve is by having so much fun playing that they can't put the instrument down. This excitement about music and learning is what I prioritize the most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As I mentioned, I believe creativity should be encouraged. I am okay with any pace the student goes at, however I will still hold them to a high standard in terms of effort put in. I try and make each lesson fun and enjoyable, as well as a creative experience that still focuses on theory and fundamentals. I generally tend to split the lessons up into warm up techniques, repertoire, sight reading, listening/dictation, discussing music the student likes/wants to learn, and improvisation and songwriting. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love seeing and hearing my students get something and play it well.  It is more rewarding than any amount of money.  I encourage my students to play and perform as much as possible even if it is just in their own home.  I keep the lessons well paces but I am not afraid to go off in a different direction if it suits the student.  Music should be inspiring and should leave the student always wanting to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele Music Keyboard

I like to branch out students knowledge of musical genres and get them listening to new stuff. Typically though, I begin lessons with encouraging the student to work on a song they love and enjoy that inspires them to sing/play! I also have repertoire to suggest for different voice types and skill levels. I never want students to feel discouraged or give up, so I make sure feedback is constructive. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I have extensively studied music theory, music history and keyboards (particularly organ) at the undergraduate (at Vassar College) and graduate level. I am particularly well-qualified to teach beginners and children. GRADUATE CLASSES TAKEN: -2 years of private organ lessons -Counterpoint, Harmony Form: 1500-1800 -The Liturgy, Ritual Chant of Medieval England (Sarum Use) -Church Music in Early Modern European Cities, 700-1700 -Perspectives on the Cantus Firmus Mass -Hymns their Music -Music Theology in the 16th Century -Music Morality -Theological Aesthetics -Sacred Music: Unity Diversity UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES TAKEN: -3 years of private organ, voice and piano lessons. (Sang for 3 years in the select chamber ensemble, mixed chorus, and Womens Chorus.) -Independent Study in Choral Conducting -Independent Study in Basso Continuo -International Phonetic Alphabet -Music Ideas I: The Power of Church Court -Music Ideas II: Enlightenment the Influence of Rationalism -Musicianship Skills I -Musicianship Skills II -Musicianship Skills III -Modal Counterpoint -Tonal Counterpoint -Harmony -Advanced Harmony -The Sound of Space: Intersecting Music, Architecture Physics -The Art of Orchestration -Composition I Read More