Music Lessons in Island Park, NY

Instruments: Piano

I love to teach piano. After my students learn basic piano skills, I let them select repertoire they are interested in playing, from genres such as;Pop, Rock, Jazz etc. I introduce composition work, basic music theory, and music history. I can successfully teach NYSSMA Repertoire as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My practice is an evidenced-based one. I chose exercises that are specifically tailored to a certain vocal idea or skill that we are working on. From there, we modify the exercise to meet the needs of the student's unique body and other student specific needs (i.e. previous habits, personality type, etc.). I generally use this approach across the board only modifying the level at which I am challenging the student to meet their current ability. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

For beginning students who DON'T own or have access to a drum set I try to start with basic snare drum technique which can be played either on a snare drum or a practice pad.  For students who DO own or have regular access to a full set of drums I like to get them on the drum set as soon as posible playing along with songs they like, again encouraging personal discovery and fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love to have fun in my lessons. No single student understands the same thing the same way so I take the time to listen/understand them as a person and as a musician. While it would be wonderful if all of my students became virtuosi musicians, I understand that sometimes math class may be at the forefront of their attention. That said, practice is still required. Like a doctor, I prescribe solutions to students to help them achieve their goals and will do everything I can to help them to succeed but if they dont take the remedy, success is can be quite slow. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing kills enthusiasm in the long run like rote teaching. With a complete beginner, especially a young child, an abstraction like music can be overwhelming if not presented in a structured manner. For that reason, I generally speak at length with the parents and explain that the preparation work takes several lessons. I begin by introducing young students to the keyboard and familiarize them with both black and white keys quickly. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Head, Hands and Heart: ( example given below) Week 1: Learn To Play Your First Song Head: A Time, A Place and The Parts Of A Drum Set Hands: Your First Drum Beat (No Drums Required) Heart: Move Before You Groove Week 2: Playing with Sticks Head: How to Buy and Hold...Drumsticks Hands: Play Your First Song with Drumsticks Heart: Clap To The Music Week 3: Learn To Play the Parts of a Song Head: The Parts of a Song and What They Mean To a Drummer Hands: How To Play a Closed Hi-Hat Heart: Quiet Verse plus Loud Chorus equals Dynamic Drums Week 4: Learn To Play Drum Fills Head: Pracetice Without Drums - Think Before You Play Hands: What Are Drum Fills and How Are They Played? Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

It is important that the student comes to their own realizations about playing using me as a guide, rather than being spoon-fed the information. Knowing how each student learns most efficiently is critical to success in a lesson, and I believe that each student should be taught using as multiple instructional methods as well, including sound, sight, and feel. By learning early on why the student chose their instrument and what they hope to get out of it, I can easily find a path to success that is both efficient and exciting. Read More