Music Lessons in Hartford, CT

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

I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and began playing piano at age 9 with the help of my older sister who also played piano. During my high school years, I focused on composition, which became my main area of study during college. Through my college training at the University of California in Santa Cruz and San Jose State University I supported myself by giving piano lessons, playing organ and piano for churches, and working as a freelance pianist. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Electric Violin Music

For all of my students, I let them pick a song (vocal) or piece (violin) that they would like to sing or play. This way I can analyze what level they are on. For my voice students, I start with vocal warm-up exercises of the different vowels. It helps me to understand their range as well as tone of voice. For my violin students, I usually stick with the Suzuki Method, or Essential Elements books, if they are in the more beginning stages. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Depending on the level of the student, I will access what the most valuble method books or resources will be to work out of in order to increase success! Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have a different method for every level student. I start beginners with Hal Leonard's or Mel Bay's Guitar Method books. These books are clear to any age and can be picked up by any student. After these books have been completed, I introduce popular single melody, guitar technique and full tab/sheet solo repertoire books. The solo repertoire books usually contain tablature/sheet music along with chords and sometimes riffs/scales. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I initially have a student work on a series of simple fingering exercises. This gets the student familiar with the feel of the instrument and helps to reinforce how the left and right hands work together when performing. Another benefit is that it helps the student to build speed/dexterity when playing. When these exercises/techniques have been mastered I then introduce the student to concepts such as notes, scales, intervals, basic chord structure, etc. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Euphonium

My teaching experience dates back to my mid-high school days, where I would teach elementary and junior high students brass technique in one-on-one settings, help teach my junior high jazz band, and teach a combo that I put together myself. As time went on, I gradually built up my studio to a part-time gig in college. During summers in college, I would teach various marching band camps and work as the RA at a jazz camp. Read More

Instruments: Voice

First, it is important to have the students feel that you care and want to open their talents. Next, doing exercises together to learn diaphragm breathing and see the joy as they realize they can make a lovely vocal sound. Watching them Find their true voice through an open throat is almost like magic. Discovering how the cheeks and bones move and open producing a radiant sound adds much more to learning to sing. Read More