Piano Lessons in Belmont, MA

Instruments: Piano Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with teaching basic music theory, scales, and start with John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course for the piano students. For Cello beginning students, it's very important to have a correct playing position. Therefore, we will spend some time on knowing cello, position for both hands, and then we will start with Suzuki. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Clarinet Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

My methods of choice for instruction are many due to the amount of instruments that I teach and the many levels of mastery within each concentration. For most woodwinds I begin with the Rubank family of methods and duet books. I favor many of the Berklee press books for music theory, voice, keyboards, genre studies, guitar, bass, composition, ear training, harmony and arranging. The Schirmer library of classical piano pieces is often used. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar French Horn

I find that it drives the student to learn the instrument for himself. And as the student wants, more and more, to prove that he can "beat the instrument," he begins to work at it in ways that I can't teach. Learning an instrument is more than showing up for one hour each week. Practice is everything. I feel that my methodology encourages students to take on the instrument head on and learn how to solve problems on their own so that they can practice and improve more quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My first teaching attempts are associated with the years of my education at Yerevan State Conservatory. Being the laureate of various prestigious competitions and earning outstanding scores during the entrance exams granted me the honor of becoming the assistant professor at the conservatory. Under the supervision of well-known pianist/pedagogue Armen Babakhanyan I got acquainted with the amazing world of music education and piano pedagogy. In addition, I was participating in a specially designed music program to develop music schools in Yerevan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I wholeheartedly believe that the best ingredient for passion is joy. I want all of my students to be enjoying themselves not only during our lessons, but in the practice room as well. As a result I try to keep my lessons incredibly individualized. I learn about my students, what are their favorite styles of music? Favorite songs or bands? I believe there is no wrong starting point in one's musical journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I typically start with the Piano Adventures series with my beginner students who are children. I also introduce songs they are familiar with alongside seasonal or festival music to make the lessons more engaging and boost their interest in learning. For intermediate students, I add materials such as exercises from Hanon or Czerny to develop stronger technique. I pair these with music by various composers so that, while building the foundation of piano playing, my students explore different styles of music. Read More