Clarinet Lessons in Tuckahoe, NY

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I like for a student to look at a piece of music and then to explain to me what they think it is. Their perception is different than my perception and I can learn a lot about how to teach them based on how much they may already understand or do not understand. Understanding musical concepts and musical language is important and I emphasize getting basic concepts right immediately. If a student has a misconception about something I try to correct it so they can move forward make progress. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Over the years, my students have consistently placed high in the Western Region Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra, and several of them have gone on to the extremely competitive Connecticut All-State Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Orchestra. Four of my students have successfully auditioned for the summer program at Interlochen. I have had two of my high school aged students have gone on to Harvard, one to Amherst, and three to Yale - all of whom played in the Yale Concert Band, Yale Jazz Ensemble, and/or Yale Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I like to teach from an understanding that depth is more important than scope, meaning thoroughly practicing a single piece of music is more effective than skimming over many things at once. This allows more mindful practicing and mastery. It also allows me to find my students' most effective learning methods and cater to their specific learning needs. I like to make goals for my student using this way of practicing. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

After graduating from college I joined the Peace Corps. I spent 2 years in Tehran, Iran playing in the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. I returned to the U.S. and went back to school to get my Masters degree. I worked as a music teacher in the Bronx, N.Y. for several years. After that I worked at an electronic music studio in Hawthorne, N.Y. The studio eventually shut down and I began teaching Band at the Stamford Public Schools where I taught music at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

Over the course of many years, I've developed a method for beginning piano and woodwind students which yields excellent results. For the first series of lessons, I want the student to become comfortable in understanding the keyboard or the wind instrument, avoiding the secondary interface of sight reading. There are about twenty short, simple, basic songs I have the student master. At this point, not only are we working on understand the harmonic and melodic "hardware" of the keyboard or horn, but we are developing proper technique in terms of hand position, posture and sound as well as a natural rhythmic feel. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

For the past 5 years, I have actively taught private lessons for saxophone, flute, clarinet, and piano for students of all ages. I have found that no matter the age, experience, or instrument, that teaching music is ultimately about discovering and cultivating inspiration. I truly believe every person has something in music that they want to express, and I want to help them find and expand upon it. I think it is crucial to focus on technique and musical fundamentals. Read More