Piano Lessons in Saint James, NY

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I start with Michael Aaron and Michael Aaron Music Theory books. The beginner students really enjoy these theory books! I also incorporate Fabers Music Adventures into the lessons. As the student progresses, I begin to introduce pieces appropriate for their levels and tastes. Each student learns and progresses individually and I take that into account when suggesting repertoire for them. One student may want a classical piece while another student may want a song by Bruno Mars. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums

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Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching when I was 17 and have a pretty busy schedule of up to 35 students a week! Many of those students still continue to take lessons after 3 years of instruction and have improved beyond their original goals. I find that each student has different interests (rock, jazz, classical, pop, etc.) which is why I enjoy focusing on what they want to learn. Other students do not know exactly what they want to learn; however, they just want to improve in playing their instrument all around. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I play rock, jazz, classical, pop, folk, country, and funk. I have toured many parts of the country multiple times with rock bands, and have also performed with orchestras at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Heinz Hall. I have also recorded on lots of projects and have played on records produced by Ron Blair from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Pete Steinkopf from The Bouncing Souls. In 2021 I was nominated for a San Diego Music Award for Best Jazz Album. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder

I want each lesson to be exciting and productive for each student. I have different methods for each student's particular needs and desires, but the primary goal is that the student has fun and enjoys their lessons. For students who would like to learn classical music I have extensive training in repertoire. I also play duets with students, and play along with recordings. I this helps students to learn skills like intonation and sight reading, but primarily they are just really fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice French Horn Music Keyboard

My teaching style is a something I consider to be a hybrid: I combine the academic knowledge I have gained since I started my first piano lesson at four years old, along with the real life experience I obtained as a full-time traveling musician. I take this unique style of teaching and apply it in a very engaging and stimulating learning environment. I like to apply techniques from both the Orff and Kodaly teaching philosophies with younger students. Read More