Richard S
5.0
(21)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Accordion, Music
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Richard S
5.0
(21)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Accordion, Music
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Punk, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 8-80
CW Post College, Long Island University, Music Education, Composition, and Performance
New York University, Computer Technology
Recorded and toured internationally with several well known performers and shows. Session musician. Written, produced, recorded, commercial ads for large advertising agencies. Video and film soundtracks. Wrote and produced the Cabaret Musical, "A.M., the Pre-Invasion Musical," which ran, for more than twenty years in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, Hawaii, and on several cruise ships. I've had several students go on to become music majors in college, and some that now make their living with music. I've also had 4 of my younger students, come in first, in their schools talent contest. An album, Matchbook Medicine, I worked on, (all the keyboards), with Texas Red Dirt singer/songwriter Shane Terrell, (Smith Recording Group), was released in 2019. You can listen to the album on Spotify (search Shane Terrell and the Stumblers, Matchbook Medicine). There are also a few newer singles. I am playing on all tracks.
I teach to the student's wants, desires, abilities, time and goals. I understand that some people want to just download chords of their favorite classic rock songs from the internet, and play them as quickly as possible, without learning to read and write music. Another student is interested in studying music theory, classical music's greatest hits, and how to read and write music. Obviously, it would be absurd to try to teach these two students with the same method. However there are good methods to teach both of these students. The key to learning any musical instrument is practice. If the student doesn't practice, they will not improve very much. Just like anything else in life... what you get back equals what you put in.
As I previously mentioned I believe that every student is unique in how they learn, their musical goals, the time they have to devote to music, etc. Having the luxury of teaching one to one enables me to teach the individual. In addition to teaching conventional music theory, reading, writing, et al, I also teach improvisation and playing by ear. I've known musicians who are incredible technicians - they can play any piece of music put in front of them perfectly. Amazing! However, bring them to a Blues Jam and they're lost. Without written music they don't know what to play. My students will never have this problem. They will be good music readers who understand improvisation and how to use their ears. I also feel great personal satisfaction and accomplishment, with my students progress and successes. It is wonderful to take a student from "Where are all the C's on the piano?", to playing Mozart, Beethoven, John Legend, or Pharrell Williams, within 6 months!
Thomas Pickens
"I've been taking lessons with Richard for just a little over six months now and all I can say is that he is an amazing instructor. He hasn't followed a set one size fits all script in his lessons but has instead worked with my musical interests and at my pace in a way that is truly valuable. He has also kept things fun, interesting, and engaging even at times when I've felt overwhelmed and discouraged. This is an instructor that is truly adaptable to his students and will make sure that they get the most out of their lessons. I would definitely recommend him to anybody that truly wants to unlock their musical potential."
Chad H.
"Mr. Richard has been absolutely perfect for our very active two boys. He has been an excellent fit for gauging and keeping their interest far beyond what we had imagined. Our boys actually argue over who gets to go first. Mr. Richard knocks it out of the park when it comes to exceeding our expectations"
Shilpa
"Richard is a very talented and a patient teacher. He teaches my 6 year old daughter in the comfort of our home and he is very regular. He follows a learning book and mixes his lessons to bring difficulty and technicality while keeping it interesting for my daughter. My daughter was difficult to work with at the beginning but he was able motivate her in every possible way. As a parent I make an effort to learn with my daughter so that when my daughter practices I am able to guide and correct her and Richard is very generous to take the time to give provide me concepts. I am extremely happy with Richard and his ability to teach children."
Jimmy J.
"Richard was great! He will evaluate you on an individual basis to see how much you know, what you're looking for , etc. I highly recommend him from beginners to those who have a general knowledge of the piano and music in general."
Brian
"I highly recommend Richard as a piano teacher. He makes lessons for my daughter productive and fun. Excellent teaching fit for a young music learner!"
Alison
Mr. Richard is an awesome teacher! Two of my children currently take lessons from him. He is able to adapt and teach to both of their very different learning styles and interests. They both have made a lot of progress over a short period of time. He genuinely cares about them and their progress and his love for music is infectious. I highly recommend him as a teacher and hope we will be learning with him for years to come.
Melissa S.
My 8yr old daughter has been taking lessons for about 3 years now and enjoys it. Mr. Richard makes it fun for her age by choosing fun and popular songs; he also taught her to play by ear as well as read music. Last school semester, she tried out and was selected to perform at her school’s talent show. As a proud mom, I will have memories for a lifetime. Even in these tough times, our Zoom piano lessons keep her engaged as she continues to grow her skills.
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