Music Lessons in Beacon Hill, MA

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I was self diagnosed with "music fever" as a very young child. I began playing shows and concerts with my family as young as 13 and, even then, I loved to teach, and share music with my friends and colleagues. Naturally I pursued a degree in Music at the University of Maine where I became principle bassist of the University Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. This combination, as well as countless other groups and performances, taught me a wide variety of learning, and playing styles that would inform the way I would teach my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For younger beginning students, I either start with Strictly Strings or Suzuki, depending on how much prior musical experience the student has. In either case, I ensure that the student has a clear understanding of the violin and what is involved right from the beginning, and place a heavy emphasis on aural learning and ear training so they have a good foundation for their own practice at home and furthering their aural skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

I have taught music for over 15 years, in colleges, music schools and privately. One thing that I have noticed is that, with more experience, I have a lot more fun--and so do my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar

I have found, especially for beginner and younger students (I.E. friends and family members I have taught), it is best to first see where they are in ability to play the instrument. From there, we work on correcting bad habits that develop from being self taught, things such as poor picking technique, finger placement, hand placement, minimal understanding of rhythm and basic theory concepts. Then we discuss what the student would like to learn, and after a solid foundation of basic concepts has been developed, I can create more personalized lessons from there! Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music should not be boring or intimidating, so I teach to my students' personalities and their comfort levels. I will ask my students to try rigorous exercizes but I will do so in a manner that is fun and rewarding, not exhausting. I enjoy adding humor to my lessons and I like to keep the mood light and conversational because music is as much about connection and communication as it is about notes. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm not opposed in principle to using any particular series of method books, and I can understand the advantages of using, say, the Bastien Piano Basics series to introduce music fundamentals. That said, I haven't found any pre-made lesson plans or materials that work for everybody. It seems like it's best to gauge what book, repertoire, and approach is best for each student based on the first few lessons, and customize the experience from that point on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Eradicating bad habits early will help make picking up the instrument every day a much more enjoyable experience and reaping the rewards from this progress every week. I also emphasize self-discovery and experimentation in a student's development and daily practice. I make it fully known their practice and development is entirely personal and it is up to them how much they practice and how far they would like to go with their playing. Read More