Music Lessons in Greenwood Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all beginning students , I typically start with Mel Bay's Guitar Method and Hal Leonard but I also like to throw in some of my own personal lessons that can help students grow faster. Once the student has good understanding and grasp of the fundamentals, My student and I will both decide on repertoire that they can play according to their abilities. For adults or more advanced players, I try to find out what their interested in playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

The key to progress is a solid foundation. For all students I will focus on core techniques and practice habits - from there we will dive into repertoire. Through our discovery of what music elicits a passionate response we will tailor our work towards building a foundation that best fits each student. Materials will vary widely based on the students needs. I employ techniques such as the Jaques Dalcroze Method and the Alexander Technique - both of which are rooted in the physical aspects of playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

Jonathan S. has studied with world renowned artists Phillip Kawin at the Manhattan School of Music and David Dubal from the Juilliard School. Jonathan has performed solo and chamber music at diverse music festivals around the world. His performances have taken him to Italy, Russia and China. He was a finalist in the World Piano Pedagogy Most Wanted competition in Phoenix, Arizona and finalist in the Five Towns College Piano Competition of Long Island. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first love is jazz, and as such I have a strong love of improvisation and aural skills, which I believe are relevant in all forms of music (even Bach improvised!). Once some fundamental skills and theoretical knowledge is ascertained, I like to build on more advanced musical skills like learning songs by ear, being able to identify certain common chord progressions, helpful tips for memorizing pieces, and learning to personalize music through expressive techniques and improvisational application where appropriate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is based on whatever the goals of my student are. If my student shows an interest in being able to play a particular piece, then we are working step by step to reach that goal by building up to it. If they want to write their own music in a particular style, then I am helping them analyze music that they are influenced by to better understand how to add it to their vocabulary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet

I have worked as an arranger and composer on a variety of albums and concerts with Grammy Award winning artists such as Sting, Wynton Marsalis and Rolando Villazón among many others. I have served as a music director for a number of productions and international tours. Throughout it all I have maintained a consistent schedule of teaching including both privately and in the classroom. My strength is my wide variety of musical experiences which I bring into every lesson. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

My journey in music took a couple of unexpected turns. As a youth, it was my intention to get a degree in trumpet performance, but life held a different path for me and I put the instruments away. Some years later, my wife- knowing how much I continued to enjoy music- suggested I take up trumpet again and I did, for which I'll be eternally grateful! I now perform in multiple ensembles in Westchester and Fairfield counties as well as in New York City in addition to maintaining a teaching studio where I can share my love of music. Read More