Piano Lessons in Peter Cooper Village, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

Based on a child's interest and personal voice, I recommend pieces of music varying from musical theatre, 28 Italian Songs, Schirmer's Book of Solos, and Hal Leonard's Standard Literature. In our lessons, I teach students to warm up with the proper technique, and so that they may warm themselves up when practicing. We also work on sight reading and dictation to implement musical literacy. Most importantly, we discuss textual meaning and how it relates to our performance skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

More than a decade ago I began giving music lessons in both private and group formats. It was an unexpected "diversion," but a very natural fit! It brings me great joy to see a student enjoying the guitar, advancing on the instrument, and entering into that "fellowship of guitarists," which means everything from jamming with their friends, to being able to learn any song they want, to understanding a meme about the G string always going out of tune. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a constructivist teacher. I like my students to drive their lessons. However, there is a structure to the lesson. There is always a warm-up, theory and/or sight-reading, and choice time, where the student works on something they have chosen, and then time to work on something I have chosen.\ Lessons always end on a positive note! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Organ Accordion Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

But they will be in my care. I hope to reach them much like how a person reaches anyone. With respect, patience, and a will to understand our many differences. My community of learners are not going to be perfect children, and that is okay. There will be days when the majority of what we do in class is learning how to be human. I think we are all still learning how to be human. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and young students, I like the simplicity and clarity of the Alfred Piano Methods, which include a lesson, a "solo" piece highlighting the lesson and a fun, written theory exercise. I have a treasure trove of familiar classical pieces which I can transcribe to fit different levels. I also like the Hal Leonard Essential Elements series for their witty little tunes. I always come with crayons and paper, flashcards, games and other motivators to keep the lesson fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe strongly in approaching each student with a blank slate. This means that, before even considering a workbook or a songbook, I take the time to learn from my student about what makes him or her most excited about music. If I find out that my student loves the theme song from La La Land, we're going to learn that! If he or she wants to understand how it's possible for a major scale and a natural minor scale to share the exact same notes, then we'll explore it, not only theoretically, but practically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most rewarding thing for a teacher is seeing the student progress, does not matter to me if it's perfect! Music takes time and practice and it's very much like a painting. You are not gonna be done in a whole day, you add a little everyday. I only ask my students to set aside 15-30 minutes a day to practice. I am also encouraging to students to learn how to use their practice time effectively. Read More