Piano Lessons in Spencer Estates, NY

Instruments: Piano

I have played the piano since childhood and specialize in the classical repertoire, as I believe it offers the most comprehensive method of attaining instrumental mastery. However, I will not hesitate to use any material that interests a student, in any genre, provided sheet music is available. I can play jazz and improvise fluently and have also played in blues bands, but prefer to devote myself to classical music. I play the guitar at an advanced level and for the last seven years have written about a great variety of Western music for Fanfare Magazine, contributing full length interviews, often with famous musicians, and CD and DVD reviews. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My method is unique in that I get students to improvise and compose their own music right away. I do this using the latest musicological research on partimento, an Italian method from the classical period which has been demonstrated to get students as young as 6 years old to improvise sonatas at the piano. This is how Mozart and Beethoven became child prodigies, and I believe that teachers should get back to teaching their students this way! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Beyond what I've achieved personally, what truly makes my heart sing is teaching and sharing the joy of music. I'm really passionate about teaming up with local homeschools to give middle schoolers the chance to dive into music, especially if they don't have access to regular music classes. It's all about breaking down barriers and letting these eager minds discover their musical talents. On top of that, I bring my know-how to private teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For voice, I focus on proper understanding of the body and its role in singing. I combine this with a breakdown of individual skills followed by performance practice. The combination of the 2 allows there to be an understanding of the correct technique and an immediate opportunity for application. This is accompanied with homework in the form of exercises and books.For violin and piano, it is a similar process. I create and customize lesson plans for each of my students to that it is relevant to their goals and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I usually use the Faber, Beyer, or Czerny depend on the student's level. I'd add Hanon, bach 2,3 part invention, Sonatina album, and the list can go on. For Jazz, all I need is manuscript paper and a Jazz Real Book (I'd hand out some exercise notes). For advanced students, I want them to listen to music a lot. Listening to music is very critical, it is just as important as practicing the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

On guitar I use the Hal Leonard method and then move into learning blues scales and pentatonic scales for soloing and then move into repertoire they are interested in. On drums, I will teach them rudiments to use when playing as well as play different drum charts to songs they enjoy. With voice, I will go through standard warm-ups and then find repertoire that the students are generally interested in whether it is classical, jazz, musical theater, etc. Read More