Piano Lessons Northeast

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Drums

For young students, I would usually start them off using Bastien Piano Basics. It's very digestible, and gives a good starting-off point for both technical playing, and larger musical concepts as a whole. With a student who is older or perhaps more advanced, who has a solid grasp on technical proficiency and music theory, I would typically recommend studying specific pieces, starting with Classical, and eventually moving into Jazz. I feel that following a chronological study of music is one of the best ways to become a well-rounded, versatile player who feels comfortable approaching any material. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Trumpet

Here are the things that I want to impart to my piano students in their first 10 weeks of lessons: That I love music and I love teaching them That music lessons are creative and exploratory That creating music is fun and easy That music can tell stories That music is more than pushing down keys That music is art and involves dynamics, speed, feeling, etc. That singing and moving to music is just a part of how we do things in music education That playing the piano the right way (ie. with the right technique) is really important The importance of understanding, feeling and moving to meter (duple/triple) The concept of home, tonic/dominant tonalities and being able to hear and create bass lines That music is made up of chords, patterns, and melodies That they can transpose music into different keys I use Alfred Piano Method, it also dives into intervallic reading, as described above. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Saxophone, Flute, Recorder, Piccolo, Music, Keyboard

My materials and methods differ depending on the pupil's age/ability. For a young 11 year old beginner, homework assignments will begin with the instrument itself, and then eventually Book One of any method book desired. Popular practice dictates good results with books like Yamaha and Standard of Excellence. For middle-level ability (middle school / early high school), the Rubank series is perfect. Finally, with middle and above levels; solos, ensemble work, duets, and additional etude books will be used. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I first try to establish why the student wants to learn their instrument and what artists/bands they are influenced by if any. Although I do try to establish goals for them, these goals are reasonable and attainable. It is important to me that they progress at their own pace and have fun as well. Nothing is more important to me than helping others develop a passion for music and I will use anything from Bach to Beethoven or The Beatles to Guns N'Roses to help them achieve it. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Synthesizer, Keyboard

When it comes to jazz, I think learning the basics of the language is key! I like to use Jim Snidero's book "Jazz Conceptions" for many beginner to advanced students to study etudes that will help them internalize the ins and outs of what professionals play in their improvisation. I also encourage students to experiment on their own time on what kind of music they want to play, while also encouraging them to practice material that will propel their musicianship, especially for beginner and intermediate students. Read More