Music Lessons in Battery Park City, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

For my beginner piano students, I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures books to help my students learn the basics of reading music. I then like to guide them towards a more wholistic approach to music focusing on learning harmony and melody through the use of lead sheets. This allows students to understand the structure of music so that they can learn music they like by ear and approach any style of music with an open mind and the skills to adapt. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I don't have a singular method because every student is different. At the beginning of my lessons with a new student we will begin getting to know each other. Then we try different things. Some students are naturals at imitating what they hear, so we play to those strengths. Other students are more comfortable with structure and math, so we take that route instead. What I find most important is being flexible. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My teaching experience goes all the way back to my senior year of high school teaching not only my students at the Chatham school of rock but also my peers in high school as well as college. My philosophy is simple, music is taught best through experience. Technique books, and etudes have their place for the basics but I believe there is no substitute for putting on a backing track and getting to playing. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

While some teachers may be very strict or hard on their students, I try to take a more inviting approach. I like to cultivate an atmosphere of openness and encouragement, but I do also believe it is important to maintain focus and make sure students are practicing sufficiently. I believe that at least a basic understand of music theory is important for learning any instrument, so from time to time we will discuss theory in relation to the bass. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements , kids musical theatre collection and daffodil, violets and snowflakes. We work on Breath control, pitch and tone resonance, diction, and reading music 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. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I like to pack my lessons with information and fun. Typically my lessons are half warm-up, half working through music. In the first half, we address technique, breath, posture, placement, tongue and larynx position, etc. Because a strong foundation is the basis of good healthy singing in any style. In the second half, we focus on musicality, expression, difference in style, and your interpretation. This is where science meets art and you find YOUR voice! Read More