Music Lessons in Berlin, MA

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

In the earliest stages of learning, such considerations as posture and proper technique are crucial if a student is to be comfortable with playing, achieve early success, and lay the foundation for further progress. The way I have tried to sell this to students is: the accepted technique became so because it is the easiest and most comfortable way to play. In terms of early success, at the earliest point possible I teach/encourage a student to play a song however simple in its entirety, slowly but steadily and clearly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For the voice (as it is a built-in instrument) we work on expanding vocal range through warm-up exercises. It's important to identify the natural transitions throughout a student's voice, usually based on classical technique for healthy sound production. We will be able to reconcile the voice with the music that the student is interested in singing, all styles are welcome! It's very rewarding to see the vocal growth and strengthening of breath control and stamina, as then the repertoire and style of singing grows! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For me, the main goal of my lessons is for my students to develop a real love of music. To me it matters not if a student plays music as a hobby or intends for it to be a profession - what is most important is that they're meeting goals they have set for themselves and are having fun doing so. Although my lessons have a clear structure to them, I always make sure that the content of these lessons are interesting and exciting for each student. Read More

Instruments: Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My main goal is to provide my students with the tools they need while simultaneously engaging their musical interests and personal goals. For beginners I usually start with Hal Leonard method books and work to build a solid foundation of chords and songs. The most important part in my beginner curriculum is to strike a balance of foundational materials as well as fun! I want to make sure practicing is seen as a fun activity. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo

For beginners I often start with the Standard of Excellence, but it does not take long before we start to get into more individualized education. For example, a student may be bound for high school jazz band, in which case we will immediately begin on music theory and scale/mode practice from as early as 5th grade. On the other hand, I may have a high school flute student who wants to audition for conservatory, in which case I would use some Marcel Moyse books, orchestral excerpt practice, and standard solo repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I was recently hired by Pearson to create a series of instructional videos to accompany their new textbook. In them, I teach students about different words one uses to write about music (timbre, tempo, etc). The publisher has called me "a natural, with a colloquial style that is very engaging and easy to understand." While I am otherwise new to teaching music, I have taught sailing for the past 9 summers of my life. Read More