Music Lessons in Briarcliff Manor, NY

Instruments: Voice

My approach to teaching is solely based on vocal placement and having a great time. I encourage my students to mimic their favorite artists and or artist that they are not familiar with. This enables the students to loosen the tension in the voice and to get out of their comfort zones. By doing this they embody a level of confidence outside of themselves, which is such a rewarding feeling as a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums

My main goal is to make each student as passionate about this incredible instrument called the drumset. And why should they be? This is one of the only instruments that uses all limbs simultaneously! Imagine how many rhythms, sounds and melodies can be created? Endless! Drums are the heart of musical styles all around the world. whether it's jazz,samba, reggae or rock, drums are what makes everything sound so good! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

My particular brand of brass pedagogy has roots that trace back to the Chicago Symphony's legendary Bud Herseth. I believe in the pursuit of mastery of many of the basic techniques of brass playing - air movement, flexibility, and tone are the most important pieces of what we do as brass players, and I have collected an arsenal of exercises to build skill in these areas. I use a collection of techniques from a wide range of trumpet players from Ray Mase to Allen Vizzutti to Michael Sachs and will use these approaches to define musical outlook and technique. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

I believe strongly that passion is infectious, and is key to my teaching. I ask all of my student to set realistic goals and treat our progress as a journey in which we will gradually pick up the skills to grow with steady work. This comes from enjoying the “artistic process” and can only be discovered when we move together at a pace that is comfortable for the student. The only requirement I have for any budding musicians is that we both be open-minded and willing to listen using our ears and mind (this goes for me too!). Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My teaching style allows room for students to explore their own individual interests while remaining within a framework of achievable and incremental goals. One of the amazing things about music instruction is it allows people (especially younger students) to learn the process of incremental goal setting and achievement for long term success. I like to work with my students to develop a set of goals and a game plan for how they can achieve what might seem far off to them. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I believe that each person has a unique set of skills and characteristics through which he or she acquires knowledge, maintains and improves the acquired knowledge, and uses it to his or her benefit. Therefore, although I do have a system that I follow, I attend to the specific strong and weak points of each student. My goal is to be present in each and every lesson and to focus on each student's current level with the understanding that only through direct and personal guidance could my students improve and thrive. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Ive taught private students off and on for over 7 years, and regularly for for about 3 years. I got serious about teaching when I was in the masters program at the Juilliard School. Ive only ever taught saxophone but I am proficient at the flute as well. I have been a featured guest clinician at high schools, as well as a volunteer at elementary schools in North Carolina where I am from. Read More