Music Lessons in Hempstead, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
The hardest thing to master on any instrument is the ability to feel comfortable while playing your instrument. Playing with stress may cause you to feel uncomfortable and you might sweat a lot and make mistakes. You especially do not want to go and perform on your instrument when you are not feeling comfortable. My theory is that you are allowed to feel nervous before performing because that is perfectly normal. However, when you don't know your parts fully, you will feel even more nervous about possibly making a mistake on stage. You want to fully know your parts and feel comfortable playing them in front of people so that you do not feel super nervous before each show.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I definitely do not use books. I have actually became a really great musician without using any books or methods from other people. I taught myself every instrument by getting a feel for each instrument and getting comfortable playing the instrument. I feel like I will remember more if I can figure it out on my own and make my own mistakes and learn from them. This may not be every musician's attitude so some people may have to use a book if they are teaching themselves to play an instrument. If you decide to learn from me, I can teach you to be a really great musician without using any books. A great teacher never needs books if he has the knowledge and equipment that is necessary to perform the specific task.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
It really depends on the band I am in and also the experience the other musicians have as well as the reason for a practice session. One band I practice 8 hours a week on two different days so that we can be the best band and play to the best of our abilities without making mistakes. However, another band I play with only needs one practice before playing a big show like a outdoor festival. I would say that you should practice until you are comfortable to perform live in front of other people. My practice session with the student will be for one hour and will help the student be a better musician overall.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I don't actually have a Music Degree, but I do have the experience that others have and I do believe that I am just as high up as someone who does have a Music Degree. I don't think that everyone needs a Music Degree to be a better musician. Just because you went to college and at least barely passed your classes doesn't mean that you are a great musician. Some musicians may be better than other musicians that got a degree with a maximum average in all of their classes. It all depends on what you learn whether in college or not, and how you apply that to your musical abilities. If you learn in college everything possible, but don't use that information wisely, you basically learned for nothing.

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