Music Lessons in Dyker Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano

I always tailor the method to the student and never the student to the method. If you want to play Joel we will work on that, If you want to play Chopin we will work on that and if you want to improvise we will work on that. I an a sucker for music theory and can talk about it for weeks (which is what I do at MSM). I am also a bottom line practical guy - whatever is your goal on the keys, If I can get you there - I will. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe the most important part of lessons is the student's engagement. This is achieved by understanding what they want to play and tailoring lessons around that music. When a student is engaged in the songs they are learning, they are more motivated and excited to learn. This makes it so fun to practice that they won't be able to stop! This will amplify all their skills and they will progress much faster. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I continued on to practice regardless, but it was out of duty and not out of passion. Knowing those feelings and where they come from is key for a music educator, because it is important to know strategies to avoid replicating those situations in your own students. I frequently incorporate the student's musical tastes and choices into their lessons. If my student is at an age where they can "jam" with others, we will typically jam together, or if they have friends at a similar age and skill level, I encourage them to have a jam session where I can listen in and participate (and I can spot-check my student for technique and ask critical questions about their performance). Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My teaching experience is quite varied. I've taught young children as a member of Mimi Zweig's pedagogy classes, and I currently teach group classes to 3rd-5th graders here in NYC. I've taught chamber music to teenagers in Indiana University's Summer String Academy and to adult learners in Montreal. I encourage regular practice and strong fundamentals, but I also sincerely think that although there are many ways to teach and to learn, the best ways always are enjoyable. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion

I am experienced professional mallet percussionist and bandleader with an emphasis on jazz and improvisation. In 2013, I was the first jazz vibraphonist be accepted in to The Juilliard School where I had the opportunity to mentor classical percussionists on how to improvise. Prior to Juilliard, I first attended Oklahoma City University studying music education/percussion performance. After studying for two years at OCU, I decided to transfer to Berklee College of Music to study with Ed Saindon and Dave Samuels, and to be closer to my mentor, Stefon Harris. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin

With all my students, I like to first figure out their goals and tailor our lessons to match each individuals aspirations. For every singer I will assign various vocal exercises to practice each week. We also will work on sight-reading exercises to encourage a high level of musicianship. For beginners, I typically like to start with the 24 Italian Arias and/or light musical theater pieces to establish a good technical foundation and gradually move on to more advanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

A passionate student is a happy student, so I take special care to ensure that each student develops at their own pace. I like to encourage students to set goals for themselves to get an idea of where they think they are musically, and help them to tailor these goals into small and accomplish tasks. I also think it is extremely important to praise students for working on their material, as this helps encourage them to try even harder and push their boundaries. Read More