Music Lessons in Hardwick, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

I am committed to a lifetime of growth in both the performance and education of music, and have been for qute some time. It all started, I suppose, in high school when I was fortunate enough to be a participant in a very high quality program. I am primarily a jazz saxophonist, but my interests do not end there. Alongside my unremitting passion for the jazz saxophone, I began teaching myself guitar and piano (in high school) and drums and voice not long after. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For young students starting piano lessons for the first time, I recommend either Bastien or Faber's piano Adventure method books. My older students love Alfred's books. These method books, in my opinion, have motivating pieces and give the students a solid foundation in theory and scales. I also use supplementary materials such as Dozen a Day, Czerny, Kabalevskiy. For students of all ages, I stress that the ears are the most important part of playing or listening to music. Read More

Instruments: Piano

When I finish teaching a lesson, I often feel like I've either learned something new or have been reminded of something fundamental about music. For example, it's very good for the health of my own piano technique to be able to explain basic piano technique to someone else. I think it's this "selfish" element of teaching that most characterizes my approach to private lessons--I try to treat every lesson as an opportunity for my personal growth as well as theirs, and I try to do this by communicating a genuine passion for music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Watchign a student improve right before your eyes is incredibly rewarding, as I have learned from my many years of teaching sailing. I think it is crucial to keep the student engaged so that this improvement remains attainable and consistent. This is accomplished by setting many small goals and by tailoring the lessons to the student's interest. If they enjoy classical rep, we will work on that, but if their favorite band is the Dave Matthews Band, we can also work on playing music in that style and many others like it as well. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching and performing professionally since 1998, and I can't think of anything else more enjoyable than sharing the joy of music through teaching and live music entertainement. My students learn how to play their favorite songs while learning how to read music, understand tab, grasp some theory, learn chord structure and play some scales for technique building, ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Oboe

I am a passionate and motivated teacher, who loves working with students of all ages. I am primarily a saxophone player, but love learning new instruments. In 2020, I graduated from UMass Lowell with a Bachelor’s in Music Studies. In 2022, I graduated with a Master’s in Music Education. I enjoy teaching and performing with the New England Youth Wind Ensembles in Lowell, MA. In these ensembles, I provide individual and group lessons to middle and high school students. Read More