Music Lessons in Fort Greene, NY

Instruments: Guitar

For beginner students I start with chord shapes. We'll learn what notes are in the chord, where to find the root note of the chord everywhere on the fret board and how to play that chord in multiple postions. Then we work on switching chords in basic progressions and later we move onto scales. For my intermediate students its more about technique and theory. We'll focus heavily on scales and modes and their relationship to each other. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a very detail oriented teacher. Once a student gets a new piece of music I like for them to gain a general idea of how the music goes. We then begin to do more specific work. Once the student is comfortable with the notes and rhythms, together break down each phrase to make sure the technique is consistent. Because I believe every student is different and may need to receive information in a different way than another student, I can tell a student what is happening technically or I can explain it in a way that Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle Music

My lessons with young beginners tend do be focus on very specific skills. For instance, a 7 year old book 1 student learning "Go Tell Aunt Rhody" will do exercises focusing on bow holds, violin posture, tone production, bow distribution, and articulation. She will sing each phrase of the song, and clap the rhythm of each phrase of the song. Overall, it is this incredibly detailed approach that facilitates excellence as she moves forward. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

I believe in teaching fundamental principles of technique that can be applied universally, and I encourage students to focus on one basic idea at a time. Scales, arpeggios, etudes and other exercises are an important part of daily practice, reinforced by weekly technique classes. In the study of technique, it is critical that students set attainable goals for themselves, and I help them to organize their practice time with this in mind. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

Jonathans early studies through high school were with New York, classical and jazz pianist, Kathleen Landis. Jonathan has performed at Steinway Hall, the Juilliard School and the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He recorded his first CD at age 14 which included Mozart, Gershwin, Chopin, Grieg and Khachaturian. Jonathan particularly loves the works of Alexander Scriabin and has performed for the Scriabin Society of America. He enjoys teaching piano to all ages and playing for private events. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Acoustic Guitar

I'm a positive and encouraging teacher. When I've worked with children and with special needs high school students, I have always tried to be supportive and positive rather than negative as my way of teaching lessons or guiding them. When it comes to teaching voice and guitar, I'm the same way. I want to bring out the best possible singer or guitarist in my student, and so my approach is a totally supportive one, and I bring a lot of enthusiasm to my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

A teacher who is not implementing his own skills or who does not experiment and search for different forms of practice will soon become very limited and limiting. As a kid, I was raised in the so-called Russian tradition, took lessons with European professors in my teenage years, and immigrated to North America at the age of nineteen. A by-product of cross-culturalism, I simultaneously learned the principles of different violin schools, researched their traditions, particularities, and distinctions. Read More