Russell F
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues
Russell F
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
Master Degree: Yale School of Music , Bachelor Degree: New York University , Doctoral Degree: Yale School of Music
I am a passionate and excited instructor who loves working with students of all ages and levels. I am currently in the dissertation phase of my doctoral degree at Yale and teach full time at the University of Bridgeport. I have played in several professional settings as a member of an orchestra, jazz band, concerto soloist, solo recitals and more! I specialize in classical percussion, but love teaching beginner guitar and piano as well. One of my most favorite instruments to teach and play are the steel pans.
I began teaching private lessons while I was in graduate school, starting in 2016. I have taught at the Peabody Conservatory Prep Division, Yale College lessons program, Music in the Schools Initiative, privately contracted lessons, Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, and finally and currently, I teach full time as Associate Chair of Music and Assistant Professor at the University of Bridgeport since 2022. I have taught a wide range of styles from classical orchestral instruments to calypso music and steelpan.
For beginning students, I typically begin with a deep dive on rudimental studies and keyboard skills on drums and mallet percussion. I gradually introduce notation and music literacy tools to improve the students understanding of how the fundamentals of music interact with one another. I use a lot of rote teaching methods as well to take full advantage of how physical percussion and drums can be. I find that students interests will quickly guide me to making suggestions for different repertoire to take on as the student is ready.
I have always found great joy in student success. I have dedicated my career to the cultivation of my teaching style and methods. I have coached students for auditions into the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College division among other prestigious honors. I find that seeing the joy my students take in performing their hard work has come to define my approach. I center teaching on a goal oriented system that allows students to make progress toward small and large goals. I find this typically has a great effect on their goal setting abilities outside music lessons as well.
Check out our A+
Rating from the Better Business Bureau
100% Risk-Free Trial Lesson
If you are not satisfied after your trial lesson, you will not be charged and we can match you with another teacher.