Music Lessons in Dumbo, NY

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with the Suzuki Method and the Sassmannshaus Early Start books. As they grasp the beginning fundamentals, I incorporate the Alfred "My First Theory Book" series. As the students advance, we begin using Martin's "I Can Read Music," Rick Mooney's "Position Pieces for Cello" and "Fun in Thumb Position." For adults, I also use the Suzuki method, as well as the Rick Mooney books. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Saxophone Flute Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

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. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an energetic and passionate educator who enjoys teaching all kinds of music to students of all skill and age levels. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Jazz Studies, I've been professionally performing and recording music of many different genres such as jazz, rock, blues, rnb, pop, folk, swing, and country for over ten years. Performing all over the state of Michigan, the Portland Oregon metropolitan area, along the west coast, and now the New York metropolitan area has been an incredibly enriching experience that has shaped my principals and values, personally and musically. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

Teaching is the best decision I have ever made in my entire career. When students first start I always ask them what their goals are and what they would like to work on. My goal for them is to watch them grow into the best musicians they can be because I see so much potential in them. For band students, during marching band camp, I asked my students to play what they could and gave them feedback afterward including suggestions on how to correct bad habits early on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Each student is unique and I cater my teaching style to the specific needs of the student.  The key is teaching students how to identify problems for themselves and how to practice to fix them.  In addition I believe that learning music should be fun! This is the reason that I got into music and continue it to this day.   Read More