Music Lessons in Hawthorne, NY

Instruments: Saxophone

I began teaching lessons privately in college, and gained significant experience teaching online through the Covid shut down. My favorite aspect of teaching is sharing my love of the saxophone with my students, and passing on knowledge about the instrument that is not widely known or available. I have taught saxophone lessons at several music studios in both California and New York, as well as my own independent students. I also have an active performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, and large ensemble player. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium

For beginner students, I will usually start with the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. This would include tone production, articulation, flexibility, scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. Once the student has become more fluent in the technique of their instrument I will start to ask them what they want to work on and improve upon. One method I truly believe in is playing duets with the student. The best way to improve at anything is to practice with someone who has more experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

My love of music and performance started at a very young age. Piano lessons at 8 and singing in choirs around 9 years old and I've never stopped. I received my Masters Degree and Performance Certificate in Classical Voice from Northwestern University and my undergraduate degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Composition from Texas Tech University. I specialize in classical music, R&B, pop, and speech work centered around gender and identity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I typically start with the basic fundamentals of the instrument, focussing on right posture, grip and sound. For intermediate students there is more freedom. If there is a good understanding of how the fundamentals work, the student can share her / his preference with me. Since I teach all genres, there is a very broad palette to discuss. Whenever I have a good feeling with the student's preference, I'll come up with a system so we can start working on new material. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

The student is the leader, i’m just a guide. “There are no bad students, only bad teachers”. There’s no point in teaching something the student is not interested in. We work together towards the accomplishment of the student’s ’ goals and interests. Teaching is a blessing because i get to give back everything i have learned throughout my career. Coming from a Latin background, i often have a multicultural approach and i always look for the bridge and/or the link(s) that connects our cultures.... Read More

Instruments: Piano

Finding what makes a student glow, sing, or dance is the key to my teaching. Nothing beats the joy of being able to perform a beloved piece in a relaxed way, knowing that you can make the hearts of your audience surge with excitement, to become serene, to soar inside. Music is magic and healing. That's why the story of Orpheus continues to inspire us. When I practice, the voices of my own teachers resonate inside me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I feel that while it is important that students make progress, every student must move at his or her own pace. I like to set goals for students in terms of technical growth and potential repertoire, and believe in acknowledging the improvements a student makes, whether over time or in the moment. Though it is wonderful to see a student gradually understand a concept, there is nothing more exciting for a teacher than seeing a student have an "Aha!" moment. Read More