Music Lessons in Akron, NY

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For younger students I employ the Suzuki Method which comprises a series of books and particular approach to teaching that I've found to be quite effective. The books provide a very well thought out sequence of pieces that help the student learn all of the necessary skills to play the guitar in the context of actual music rather than abstract exercises, and the method encourages a lot of parental involvement which helps to make at home practice (the most important part of learning any instrument) much more effective. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is fairly simple. Whatever the student wants to learn, I will do my best to teach them how to take and conquer each step to get there. I never really had any formal music lessons until college, but I know that when I had a teacher, I wished that I could just learn what I wanted to learn. I want my students to feel absolutely comfortable when we're in a lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Mandolin Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Conga Latin Percussion

Feeling and noticing that there has been gradual success is key to inspiring students to continue with their instrument. Playing a musical instrument presents numerous challenges mentally, physically, and sometimes emotionally. It is equally up to the teacher and the student to recognize the growth that has occured week to week. As long as the work is being put forth by both parties, finding success (even if small) will not be a difficult feat. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Regardless of the age of the student, I want to ensure that the music we work on is both enjoyable for them and healthy for their voice. I do research for each individual student so that the correct repertoire is chosen! For beginning students who are ages 7-12, I begin with folk songs and Disney songs. These have simpler melodies and engaging text that help younger students stay interested. For beginning students that are 12-18, I will begin with folk songs and musical theatre songs, moving to art song and classical pieces. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Before attending the University of North Texas I was a band director, jazz band director, chorus director, free lance performer and cruise ship musician. In New York the band directors instruct all instruments in group lessons so I am familiar with technique, tone, tuning, fingerings etc...for all band instruments. My teaching and performing specialty is woodwinds, namely saxophone, flute and clarinet in both classical and jazz genres. I am a versatile performer and instructor having won international classical concerto competitions, toured with party bands and performed with professional jazz orchestras. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

To me, it's important that my students not only gain an understanding of technique and theory, but also an appreciation for the spirit and philosophy of music-making. Whether this includes conversation about each student's unique aesthetic or vision, or the general principles involving listening, leaving space, and communing with other musicians on an almost spiritual level, I do try to integrate at least a little of this type of discussion in my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Music cannot be fun if the only feedback a student gets or a teacher gives is critical. I stress the importance of comfort at the piano: no pain, no gain is never applicable to becoming a better pianist! Therefore, I encourage my students become very aware about how their physical gestures influence the sound that they produce. This ensures that students are confident and in control when approaching new, more difficult pieces of music. Read More