Music Lessons in Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Instruments: Voice

Following this, we'll engage in some singing with scale degrees (numbers) i.e. 1, 1-2-1, 1-2-3-2-1 etc. It's another fun way to work on aural skills. I'll then proceed to take them through some basic foundation building technical scales and repertoire. For Intermediate students, the breathing and technical work is more advanced, I include aural studies like intervals signing and recognition and perhaps modes of major scale then we'll sing through their chosen repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I always like to give the opportunity to the students to work on the material that they are more interested in. If the lesson is with a beginning student I work mostly on technique and when I feel the student is ready we move on to repertoire. In general, I start with a good warm up where students can record it on their devices so they can use it at home as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I start with theory and technique for beginning trainees, combined with songs that utilize the modes and scales that the trainee will be learning, thus combining the academic with the practical. More specifically, I feel that learning scales and modes are of vital importance to any musician (no matter the skill level), as such a thing is necessary not only for improvisation (which is very important as my background is in jazz), but also for writing music, which I feel that every musician should do in addition to playing other people's music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My teaching style involves setting realistic goals and making sure the environment is fun and invigorating. I always like to make sure I am teaching my students what they want to learn, but I do occasionally challenge them by assigning more advanced material that I envision them performing or think would be beneficial to them. I celebrate all of my students' achievements and always remind them of how far they have come, especially when they get to more difficult material that may test them. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I have two main philosophies I base my teaching method on, regardless of age, skill level, or genre. 1) Fundamentals are extremely important, and 2) Music is an aural experience. To expand on my first point; a tree is only as strong as its roots. If a player has a strong understanding of the building blocks of music, the sky is the limit. I begin every lesson going over these fundamentals in some way. Read More

Instruments: Cello

A passionate and organized educator with a love of the cello and music education. In 2013 I earned a Master of Music from New York University and have been playing in solo shows, ensembles, and recordings since. I've also maintained a growing teaching career by holding adjunct cello appointments at NYU and the Abrons Arts Center. For fun I like to watch indie pop artists at small venues in Brooklyn, improvise music on subway platforms, and take photos of the food I cook. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

Over the past 40 years, I have been involved with several different “R&B” bands and played various college circuits, also playing in local clubs and many private parties. I have had a wonderful opportunity to meet and play with many professional musicians in my career. My approach to teaching is to customize lessons based upon the individuals’ age, current skill level, and personal goals. Teaching them how to read music, phrase their sound and control the dynamics to produce a cohesive piece of music. Read More