Piano Lessons in Islip, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Keyboard

My technique for teaching students vary depending on the student and their competency. If the student is a beginner I like to start them with the basics of theory and rhythm by explaining the circle of 5ths, major scales, minor scales, augmented, and diminished scales. Then once the student grasps the very basic concepts of music theory I then either have them bring in a song the would like to play or I will give them variations of Ferling Etudes or Bach Etudes to establish a solid foundation in music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I actually taught me first guitar lesson around senior year of high school, as I had already been playing guitar for about 5 years by that point and had garnered a small reputation as a skilled musician. I continued into college, taking on piano students focusing on theoretical analysis and fundamentals. After college I continued freelance teaching and have had many students succeed in creating and working in their own way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching style revolves around the students’ needs and desires in the music. I like to have a balance of exercises that are centered around developing technical facility and developing the ears of the students. Each student is assessed on what they wish to learn and their own capabilities. I like to give a push into a direction that challenges my students but still allows for them to benefit from and enjoy the music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, regardless of age or skill level, I like to gauge their musical interests (i.e., what music they listen to, what inspired them to pick up the guitar, etc.), and then work from there. For someone who has never picked up an instrument before, I generally work out of Hal Leonard's Guitar Method Book 1. Once we're past that, I'll start showing them some basic songs, as well as seeing what kinds of songs they would be interested in learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Since 1996 I have been solely committed to a career in teaching and performing professionally. My Father was an amateur jazz pianist, my Grandmother, a professional opera singer prior to marriage. My earliest memories came with a soundtrack: my Dads piano playing. I studied privately both on piano (early) and guitar (later), starting somewhere in my fifth year. I always took advantage of musical opportunities afforded me at school whenever appropriate, whether that was a school musical, talent show, battle of the bands, jazz band or music elective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a constructivist teacher. I like my students to drive their lessons. However, there is a structure to the lesson. There is always a warm-up, theory and/or sight-reading, and choice time, where the student works on something they have chosen, and then time to work on something I have chosen.\ Lessons always end on a positive note! Read More