Piano Lessons in Valley Stream, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

I work with a variety of learning methods including Hal Leonard, John Thompson, Bastien, Alfred, Hanon, Czerny and Faber.  I select methodology and solo repertoire to best improve my students technique while at the same time keeping their interest and enthusiasm. I also encourage music compostition, arranging and improvisation to those students who express an interest and desire to learn who to write and compose music.  In addition to teaching the fundamentals of piano I try to engage with my students to learn how to make music on the piano or voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

For about 5 years I taught at a program called "Be Natural Music" where all of the students were children and teens. We put together kid rock bands and had them play shows a few times a year at local venues and festivals. I was the resident drum teacher for that program until my very recent move to New York. In my time there I helped the program expand into a new bigger store front and almost doubled their clientele. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

I use what some have called the target approach. With this method you are working on one concept at a time, and you should always have one concept in mind while you practice. Some examples of beginning concepts are 1) keeping a steady beat, 2) sound quality, or 3) smooth finger technique. In one practice session using the target approach you may spend 10 minutes on target 1) and 15 minutes on target 2). What is important, however, is that you continue to work on a target every day until you find yourself performing that single concept flawlessly and effortlessly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce a solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to provide a good balance between working on theory, technique, and repertoire, and working on aspects that might be more fun like a students favorite song. This allows the student to make progress while also keeping motivated, which is really important for long term goals. For children, the balance has to lean more towards the more entertaining aspect, because of the reduced attention span. I actively work towards getting the younger students to increase their tolerance towards difficult challenges so that they can make more overall progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I have always enjoyed teaching private lessons because it allows me to tailor the lesson to the individual students needs. This is not always possible in a classroom situation. I am patient with my students but I expect my students to practice four to five days a week. My goal is to get the students to enjoy the process of learning new music. I realize that my students will not take piano lessons forever so my hope is to get them to enjoy the process of learning new things in general. Read More