Music Lessons in Granby, CT

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I want my students to succeed, but also make the lessons enjoyable for them. Each student progresses by how much they practice, and their focus during the lessons. I believe that each student progresses at their own pace, and each student should be evaluated for the best method of improvement. I believe in positive reinforcement. Making students aware of their progress is important for self motivation, which I think is essential to learning an instrument. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I have developed my own system and materials for introducing the fingerings and reading music in a methodical way. I write my own simple exercises and songs. I use the Wagner book and a duet book, and appropriate solos depending on the interests of the student. I customize the lessons and go where the student's needs and interests are. Popular songs can be good as solos, and some studnets really enjoy playing Handel, Telemann, and Bach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My most recent teaching experience occurred while I was working on my Masters at Binghamton University. There, I had my own voice studio, comprised of top performing vocal students, as well a course open to any level of singers, which introduced them to a healthy singing technique. Prior to that, I had a privately run voice studio where I taught students both in person and online. In all of my years of experience teaching, my students have always found success in their singing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ialwaystellmystudentsthattheycanacheiveanythingtheywantanditisjustamatterofsettinggoals.EveryonedevelopsattheirownpaceandIalwaystrytoidentitywhatisholdingastudentbackfromreachingx22thenextlevel.x22Ialwaysemphasisthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splayingandtrytobuildonwhattheyhavealreadyacheived.Thegoaloftheteacheristoinspirethestudentandalsotailormyinstructiononwhatastudentneedsandwantstoachievewiththeirmusic. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have played in many venues with many groups in Connecticut, Boston, New York City, and Portland, Oregon. Genres I enjoy include jazz, bossanova, classic rock, blues and pop. Genres I enjoy teaching include most anything that the student wants to learn. If students would like to perform a song in front of other peers, I offer opportunities for that as well in local venues; however, there's no pressure to perform in front of people unless the student wishes to! Read More