Music Lessons in Castle Hill, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard

I'm just starting out pursuing teaching as a professional. During my undergraduate degree, I gave some piano lessons to a next door neighbor, and also also tutored my professor's daughter in music theory. Those moments were crucial for developing what I want to be doing: infusing music lessons with music theory and composition. I feel that learning to play music becomes an entire new experience when one understands the theory behind what they are playing and and furthermore is excited about generating their own material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

I will always cater to my students wants, within reason of course. If there is something my student may want to sing or play, I will always find a way to accommodate and allow my students to express themselves through their want. For voice lessons, a lot of the technique I teach comes through vocal warm ups, which is something we will do every lesson. The best part of voice lessons is that we just get to be silly and have fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

What Books and Methods I use depend on whether the student has a particular style in mind from the beginning of their studies. I will often use the Frederick Noad series of Books with students who know they want to study Classical Guitar and then progress to repertoire when the time seems right. If they aren't sure of what direction they want to go in I will use the Hal Leonard or Mel Bay Books to get them started, and when I start to see what direction they want to go in I will begin introducing different songs and repertoire to see what direction they seem to be headed towards. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a Latin Jazz vibraphonist and popular percussionist with a background in classical percussion. I also hold a degree from Berklee College of Music, where I have spent the last four years studying performance and production. Most recently I produced and lead a group based in New York and Boston. I performed in the Martinique Jazz and Ecuador Jazz festival I studied in a classical conservatory for 8 years and had the opportunity to assist to Interlochen Center for The arts and also studied cuban percussion in La Havana - Cuba at the age of 15. Read More

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

The first thing I ask a student is what kind of music they enjoy. What we love to hear is almost always what we want to play. As someone with ADHD I completely understand and empathize with students who have a difficult time focusing and a different way of understanding a concept. Taking a breath and a stretch can sometimes be the best cure for learner's block. Pointing out real progress is one of the best way to fuel the desire to learn more and is itself a reward! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

To become a better musician, we need to look honestly at where we stand in our development and do the work necessary to overcome technical issues. I believe that most issues are best addressed by carefully working on the instrument’s fundamentals. In my classes I focus on building up strong foundations and, from there, give the student the necessary tools to develop confidence in the instrument and the ability to perform any style of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For children who are beginning Piano students, I start with Piano Adventures - The Basic Piano Method: Primer Level. If the opportunity arises for a performance or a recital, we will either choose material from the book or from music that is appropriate for their learning level. I also teach different methods of piano playing, such as reading chord charts, so that students can play their favorite tunes and sing along. Read More