Music Lessons in Greenwood Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I began to teach music when I was in college, giving private drum lessons to several students. Since graduating, I have spent time teaching at several different after school music programs, teaching drum set and piano to students of all ages. I found that I really enjoy communicating with students and helping them find their own passion for music. To me, music is about having fun - this is what I strive to bring out in our lessons! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

This varies depending on the student. I will typically design my lessons around the student's own individualized needs. I believe that there are many avenues that students can go down on the musical adventure. In the very beginning, there are basic, fundamental things that need to be learned, and repeated, but after that has been accomplished, it can go in many directions. I feel that if a student can make a personal connection with music that they love, and learn how to express that through their instrument of chouce, then their learning is both accelerated and enhanced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching guitar I often use the Hal Leonard Method for younger students. I am a big fan of the Berklee Modern Method books for those who learn a little faster. For piano I also have found several methods I like and often use the Hannon Piano exercise book as supplement. For voice I like to record the lessons so the student can practice what we've worked on at home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Every lesson begins with vocal warm ups and breathing exercises, the importance of which can't be understated. Just as athletes wouldn't take the field without stretching, singers should never sing without giving their voice time to warm up. Warming up also serves as an excellent way for Jon to gauge student progress and make sure they are vocally healthy. After warm-ups, we move on to song study. Students and I work together to pick out the best songs for their particular voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Above all else, I believe that the learning process should be rewarding and fun! Setting incremental goals that can realistically be accomplished is important because developing skills of this type takes time and patience. I like students to work on both things that are their bread and butter while simultaneously working on more challenging material that will get students out of their comfort zone. I value having a positive personal and professional relationship with students, as lessons should feel like a safe space that students should WANT to come to! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I've been playing drums since I received a snare drum one Christmas as a child. Slowly but surely I started to teach myself how to play by listening and watching. As a teenager I began formal lessons and followed that up with a stint at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the performance program. After spending two years at Berklee I needed to get out in the real world and do some playing. Read More