Music Lessons in Hamden, CT

Instruments: Violin

The ultimate goal of my teaching philosophy is to help my students to develop a passion for music and eventually develop their own understanding of music in an artistic form. Every week, I set goals that are individualized for every student. If the goals are not met, we could discuss the situation and adjust accordingly. Students should feel comfort during the lessons and enjoy playing. I also actively listens to feedbacks provided by the students and families and make reasonable changes to the teaching plan. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

When I teach, I like to make sure my students feel welcome and encouraged. I will always praise them when they make improvements, no matter how small, but I will still make sure they know what it is they have to work on without reprimanding them. I try to keep my students inspired by asking them what they want to work on. For example, with a high school student, we worked on a duet that she composed for two flutes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have been teaching violin since my undergraduate days at The University of Connecticut, in their celebrated Suzuki Pedagogi program. From there on to the Hartt School and ever since, with a private studio in my home for 20 years and instructing and designing string programs in the Greater Hartford Area including the Hatford Public School System and Hartford Conservatory also within the East Hartford and Glastonbury school systems. While inviting innovation, my teaching philosophy is steeped in the traditional values of focus and dedication, for which there are no substitutes. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

As a teacher, I try and strike a balance between structure and expression. And to that end, I believe a student needs to play trumpet every day- it doesn't have to be much, but because it's both physical and mental exercise, it's good to stay with it. For beginners and youngsters, 15-30min per day is usually a good target and as their expertise and enjoyment increase, practice time goes up seamlessly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music

For younger students I like the Alfreds method books . I also use the Piano Adventures books as well as Hal Leonard for adults. I like to combine what the student is looking for musically and build upon that while supplementing the method book. For younger students I tried to engage them by making the lesson fun. If an adult is interested in popular music I supplement the lesson with a method book that is geared toward popular music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My methods vary depending on age and ability level, but my ultimate goal is for the student to have a pleasant and engaging experience with music. I want my students to enjoy the process of improving their ability, which I consider a huge role to the overall effectiveness of their time commitment to practice. Read More