Music Lessons in Freeport, NY

Instruments: Trumpet

I'm a professional musician and educator from New York City, which is where I've spent roughly 2/3 of my life, and where I currently reside. My 30,000+ hours of experience within music is expressed through my 9 years of conservatory training, which includes Bachelor, Master and Doctor of Music degrees, and my work as a trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, and studio musician over the course of 20 years. I've recorded on 30 albums, including 2 under my own name for multiple record labels, and have written over 300 pages of scholarly work encompassing a wide variety of theoretical, musicological and pedagogical topics. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Keyboard

My teaching philosophy is the same for any level student - that the experience be enjoyable, supportive and productive. The first lesson is a get to know each other and assessment of where you are in your musical journey. I use a variety of different books - note spellers, beginning books etc. - depending on the specific need of each student. For more advanced students I draw upon the great repertoire of music that is out there. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students I typically use Piano Adventures by Faber and Faber. This lesson series helps to ensure each student gets a well rounded music education. For those with previous experience, I will get to know where they're at in their knowledge and ability as well as which music interests them, and we go from there. I encourage all my students to explore genres/songs that appeal to them since that's what makes music fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Double Bass Keyboard

The most important over-arching philosophy in ALL of my teaching, is INDIVIDUAL CURRICULUM. Every student is a unique human being, bringing unique perspective, experiences, talents, and flaws. I adjust all curriculum based on the needs of their students, in order to play up their strengths and address their flaws. My curriculum is also unique in that it values student input much higher than many people who teach strictly from the classical method. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I also studied flute performance, music theory, and music history in Vienna, Austria for a semester, where I learned the techniques and disciplines of flute practicing and teaching, which have shaped me into the musician I am today. I graduated from Skidmore College with BA in neuroscience and music, which has allowed me to pursue a career in the sciences, but still continue my passion for music performance and teaching. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

It is important that the student comes to their own realizations about playing using me as a guide, rather than being spoon-fed the information. Knowing how each student learns most efficiently is critical to success in a lesson, and I believe that each student should be taught using as multiple instructional methods as well, including sound, sight, and feel. By learning early on why the student chose their instrument and what they hope to get out of it, I can easily find a path to success that is both efficient and exciting. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Since I started working professionally as a drummer at the age of 17, I have had the chance to perform in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, in some of the most prestigious live music venues, festivals and theaters around the globe. I have collaborated on projects with many bands and musicians across all genres from jazz to funk, rock, pop, flamenco, tango, world music and classical music. Since 2005 I have been a percussionist with the National Dance Academy in Italy, and I am currently playing for the Juilliard Dance Department in New York and the Merce Cunningham Trust in New York. Read More