Voice Lessons in NYC New York

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Khachaturian Flute Concerto. Beautiful phrases, virtuosic sections, and DRAMA. What else could you ask for?

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would be a chef! In both instances we are serving others, and working as a unit to produce a greta product for others to enjoy!

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
This was a gradual decision which for me started in High School and I made the decision to dedicate myself to the craft, sacrifice a lot of my time, and be open to learning and being humbled by those around me- by pedagogues and performers alike.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My Elementary School PS165 took trips to Avery Fisher Hall and listen to the New York Philharmonic rehearse Peter & The Wolf. I was in the 3rd grade at the time so the only reason I liked the flute was because it was shiny, loud, and got all of the attention playing melody and in the center of the orchestra. I could hear the beautiful ringing melodies, the conversations had in between sections through the music, and how musicians/ conductors tackled difference of opinions in artistic approach, standard performance practice, what is historically accurate in terms of style, intonation, phrasing etcetc. There was so much to be said about something that requires no talking to make happen.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Numerous students within my studio have won concerto competitions, orchestra seats, and chosen for masterclasses with known flutists from the New York Pops.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
Going on tour with Nyack College to Asia in order to perform chamber music and going again a few years later as an Artistic Director where I would then oversee rehearsals, deal with logistics, and perform as a soloist internationally and get to give a Masterclass in Hong Kong!

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Practicing is just as much of an art-form as getting on stage with bright lights and playing your heart out! Go out and purchase a metronome! THAT is your best friend, and it never fails. Set a "Number Goal" for yourself and turn it into a game! Play something slowly 5 or 10 times, if you are able to play it correctly crank up the metronome 1-2 clicks. Set that same number again, if you mess up before getting to that number then go back to the previous tempo. Challenge yourself to memorize tricky passages as well. Take a tricky 8 or 12 measure section and memorize the first 2 measures to start off. Play it 10 times, then turn the stand and play it 5 times by memory- keep doing this and you will see how easily you can execute those tricky measures. Why? Well memorizing music is a greater challenge then reading that same passage which is now in front of you! So when its time to play it you can focus less on notes and nerves, and more on musical phrasing and air support!

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
They should demonstrate a natural curiosity for music. Do they ask questions when they hear classical music? Do they react when they hear someone sing? Will they clap or dance on beat to music on the radio? Have they expressed an interest for a specific instrument? Another key factor is age/instrument. A child who is very active might find something like the drums or percussive instruments more appealing then say the piano or violin which requires less movement to execute sound.

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