Music Lessons in Ashby, MA

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion

My Teaching experience really started just after graduating high school working with my School's marching band. Although this was not an official position until more recently, my time volunteering surrounded me with successful educators who I observed and learned from. A more recent teaching experience for myself was teaching the University of Maine's (Orono) marching band and percussion section. For one week I worked closely with the a group of 15 students developing skills in percussion while teaching material to be played at school football games. 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: Flute

I think there is no better way to connect with people than through music. I am very dedicated to my students, and to making their musical experience positive and impactful to every other area of their lives. I began teaching at age 12 as part of my school's music program, and have continued ever since. As an undergraduate, I began teaching all ages and all levels. I've taught in a variety of locations and settings, both large and small. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I am always continuing to expand my potential as a musician and as a human being. I feel that self-knowledge equates largely to the quality and meaning of music when expressed. Technical abilities are very important of course as they set the limitations of self-expression, though many seem to overlook the deeper purposes and benefits of music. I myself love my craft. From music I gain an intellectual rise through analysis, a creative outlet through improvising and composing, and a great understanding of how my body functions most effectively. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Music

I strive for clarity, focus, and direction in my teaching without stifling the student's own creativity. My lessons prove to be demanding, but calm and constructive. I ensure that students understand the topics discussed, and do not proceed beyond until they obtain a genuine grasp and internalization. The time for which it takes different students to process a new concept varies greatly. As such, I pace lessons based upon each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My teaching experience began on an informal level in my early 20s, as I instructed many fellow band members in guitar and bass guitar on a case-by-case basis when working out our parts in songs. I became the person who wrote cheat sheets for most of my bands over the time Ive been in (many) bands; I loved the fact that my musical ear was enabling me to mentor colleagues. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Ive had students with different ages and characters, and I learned how to treat every single student differently, because they all have different characters and talents. I believe that its my job to motivate them, make the lessons fun and exciting, and give them challenging assignments to bring out the best of their talent. Being a professional performer myself, I know how important a teachers role can be on a students life. Read More