Piano Lessons in Peter Cooper Village, NY

Instruments: Piano

My music career began in 1980's as an advertising copywriter and jingle composer in New York City within a big advertising agency. I composed well-known commercials for Purina Cat Chow, Cookie Crisp, Goya foods and other big brands. I created the "slogans" and tunes, hired the musicians, booked the studio recording time and produced the complete :30 TV commercial. After raising my children, traveling to kids parties and a dabble in local theater,  I went back to college for a music teaching degree. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

I am very patient and encouraging with my students because I know firsthand that playing the violin and piano is extremely difficult. Progress is not only dependent on the student doing their part, but it is also my responsibility to instruct in a way tailored towards each of my student's individual needs. Being able to set short term and long term goals is very helpful especially when learned at a young age. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

 In addition to teaching I am an active freelance flute and piccolo player. I love playing in symphonies and opera orchestras and have worked with conductors Pierre Vallet, Keith Chambers, and David Bernard among others. I particularly love the exhilaration of soaring above the orchestra on piccolo. I have performed at venues throughout the city including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space.  I received my Bachelor's in Music in Flute Performance from New York University, graduating summa cum laude in 2007. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Saxophone Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Highlights include performing with: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Abigail Washburn, Clay Ross, Jayme Stone, Jacob Jolliff Band, Loudon Wainwright III, Mark Guiliana, Jeff Taylor and more. Bobby has recently been heavily involved in recording with chart-topping pop artists in the US. He is most recognized for playing violin on Grammy-award winning album folklore, by Taylor Swift. He has also recorded for Clairo, Lourde, Diana Ross, Bleachers, Phosphorescent, Florence and the Machine, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe that setting goals and "deadlines" with the student, for example regarding the learning process of a piece, helps to improve better and faster, but also limits the frustration that an unsuccess can cause. I am always focused on how to make my lessons enjoyable, fun and useful. I am always aware of posture and relaxion of the student; two main factors that can help the student to be active and tireless throughout the course of the lesson, and during their own practice time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

I have 3 methods/philosophies: 1) The student should be excited about what they are playing! I like to stay away from methods books and dive into real repertoire. I have no limitations on genre, but I am personally excited about classical music, which includes contemporary classical music/experimental art. 2) If interested, I would like the student to learn the basics of music theory so that the music they are playing is brought to a new level of understanding. Read More

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