Music Lessons in Bloomfield, CT

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter and composer from South Hadley, Massachusetts. Ive performed extensively throughout the Pioneer Valley and hold a bachelors degree in Songwriting American Song, as well as a minor in jazz studies. Original music of mine has been performed by the Holyoke Civic Symphony, The Groovy Truth Jazz Ensemble and presented at Historic Northamptons Fast Forward Film Series. I have extensive experience performing as a jazz guitarist, a solo folk artist, a pit orchestra bassist and everything in between. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Anthony Cirone's Portraits in Rhythm (a good 1st book of advanced snare drum etudes, using all previously earned skills, but forcing new applications and challenging passages).   Rock: Alfred's Beginning Drumset Method Books 1 & 2 THEN, Rockin' Bass Drum by J. Lombardo (a very old but classic book of very common and useful rock beats). repeat this book at least 20 times, using the following Right Hand patterns on HiHat, paradiddle stickings and odd-meter variations in lieu of the provided 8th notes: 1e&a 2e&a 3e&a 4e&a x--- x--- x--- x--- xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (all RH) xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx (RLRL) xxx- xxx- xxx- xxx- x-xx x-xx x-xx x-xx -xxx -xxx -xxx -xxx xx-x xx-x xx-x xx-x x--x x--x x--x x--x -x-x -x-x -x-x -x-x  xx-- xx-- xx-- xx-- -xx- -xx- -xx- -xx- --xx --xx --xx --xx -x-- -x-- -x-- -x-- --x- --x- --x- --x-  ---x ---x ---x ---x Paradiddle variations (works for pages 6-28 only) RLRR LRLL RLRR LRLL RLLR LRRL RLLR LRRL RRLR LLRL RRLR LLRL RLRL LRLR RLRL LRLR Convert to 7/8 by eliminating the last 8th note in each example. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My first objective when meeting any new student is to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what their overall goal in music is; whether it’s learning a new piece, playing jazz, playing for fun, getting first chair or making it into an ensemble. Being a classically trained trumpet player, I have come across nearly every issue and technical exercise imaginable. For all my students, I want to make sure that they are playing the trumpet correctly physically and not forming any bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Technique as well as theory are equally important. It is also important to have fun while learning. I like to use the Hal Leonard lesson books combined with excersises that I have created. I can also teach songs requested by students and explain and demonstrate how theory and technique apply to the tune. Improvising and playing along with other musicians in songs or jams is highly recomended. Understanding what each student wants to get out of the lesson is important. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

I find that it is imperative to acknowledge accomplishments so that student's have the desire to grow and progress. I do not believe in setting "practice times" as I find that can create very unhealthy practice habits physically and emotionally. Instead, I teach my students to listen to their body and their emotions as to when they want to practice - this will lead to them becoming confident musicians while also growing their love for music! Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I like to begin with getting a sense of where the student is in their musical development. Then, it's all about the basics! I address breathing, body alignment, relaxation/tension, and all of the aspects of singing through exercises tailor-made to address the student's individual and immediate needs. For most of my students, I will provide specific pieces that will help in their development and keep their interest. I have, on occasion, had students request to only work on technique through vocal exercises without singing an actual song. Read More