Music Lessons in Derby, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

I primarily teach the saxophone to younger students, and in this area I emphasize the fundamentals of tone production and the development of the musical imagination. My thinking here is simple: if you understand how the instrument works and you can imagine how something should sound, it takes only a matter of experimentation and diligence to achieve your goals. If the student is prepared to do this, I am there as an enthusiastic supporter and facilitator. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach the student to maintain an open mind of a beginner, even if they are advanced students. I create personal programs for each different student based on their temperament, their interests, and the reasons they want to play guitar. For materials, I always begin with positioning and releaseing tension with simple exercises that resonate with the student's interests. Many times I will create exercises to target a specific weakness or difficulty, or take generic exercises and tutorials and make them into something more interesting that approaches the student's while targeting the bigger goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I currently use Essential Elements 2000, but I am flexible if you would prefer something different. I supplement the method book by providing the student with additional exercises that I have found to be helpful in both my education and experience. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching style is focused on getting a well-rounded education of music and guitar playing while still maintaining a fun and relaxing atmosphere. I like to have a balanced blend of sound (pun intended) technical guitar study with the fun of playing tunes and jamming. I bring to the table an in-depth journey to the realms of music theory while also staying loose and not get too bogged down with academic material. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Ive started teaching when I was in high school. Most of my students were colleagues who wanted to learn the drums and percussion. One of my key points of teaching is technique. technique will make or break you. It affects your longevity and the rest of your body as well. I Think this will be Great for students because growing up I had to learn every thing by myself. I never knew a teacher who had experience or even took music seriously when I was younger. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my bedroom, as I began teaching myself the art of guitar by ear. Years later when I received my degree in music. I started on my path of teaching. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I will present different methods and goals to each student and each lesson depending on their level, availability, and goals. If a student is a young beginner, the most important thing is simply to grow their love of music. For an intermediate adult, I will present new challenges to eliminate weaknesses and grow strengths that also still encourage fun. If a student is taking lessons to become a college or professional pianist, I will introduce repertoire, music theory, music history, and techniques that will be crucial information and skills to advance in the competitive world of piano. Read More