Music Lessons in Derby, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Hello, my name is Stephen. I am a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, New York with performances on Broadway with the likes of Kenny Rogers among many other notable artists. I have traveled the world and most recently been to London in pursuit of creative fuel for my art. It has been a privilege to travel and perform as I have. With the extensive knowledge and experience I have accumulated in my endeavors, my passion is to guide others in their musical pursuits in the same manner as I have been; 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: Violin Bass Guitar Electric Violin

I typically use the Suzuki method violin books, but I can also work with Strictly Strings and Essential Elements. Depending on the natural strengths of the student, we may start with music fundamentals or jump right into violin setup and technique. I typically pair the books with exercises of my own invention meant to isolate the technique at hand for that lesson. We will integrate reading the music with the physical connection on the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I started teaching piano in 2015 at a small private studio. I learned to navigate teaching students of different ages and abilities. Sharing a love for music with my students was one of the greatest joys I have experienced in this field. In college, I gave piano lessons to students who were getting music degrees or performance degrees in other instruments and I interned as a music teacher at an elementary/middle school. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Since returning to New York, I have begun to build my private studio. I focus on best practices in regards to improving the fundamentals of playing and building the strength need to be a successful musician. I always try to vary my instruction to fit the individual needs of each student. I will encourage all of my students to play as much as possible and to volunteer for festivals and extra-curricular performance opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For younger students I employ the Suzuki Method which comprises a series of books and particular approach to teaching that I've found to be quite effective. The books provide a very well thought out sequence of pieces that help the student learn all of the necessary skills to play the guitar in the context of actual music rather than abstract exercises, and the method encourages a lot of parental involvement which helps to make at home practice (the most important part of learning any instrument) much more effective. Read More

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