Music Lessons in Lakeside, CT

Instruments: Guitar

I always ask the students what their goals are. I include the parents as well in this conversation for the younger students, as I find that some parents want their children to learn how to read beginning at a young age. Other parents may specify that their child may simply want to learn how to play their favorite songs. For adults, I go with what they'd like to learn and take if from there. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching for 10 years, both privately and in schools. I have taught voice, piano, acting, general music education and directed choirs. I emphasize a performance based approach to music. I believe that communication is the essence and purpose of music, and good technique cannot be divorced from performance. I find that creating an warm, open, non-judgmental environment in lessons allows my students to get in touch with the meaning of the music and allows them to add their own personality to their piece to create a truly individual interpretation and performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching my younger brothers to play guitar almost since I started learning myself. Professionally, I've worked for Curtain Call in Stamford, CT to help run their Summer Youth drama program. I also directed, music directed, and choreographed the musicals at Trinity Catholic Middle School for two years. Privately, I've worked at the Schule of Music, instructing young children in guitar lessons. I believe that the drive for learning must come from the student and I'm simply their to encourage their passions and give them the knowledge and resources to achieve their own ideas. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For elementary students and some middle schoolers, I usually either work out of Standard of Excellence or Essential Elements book 1 to begin their studies or continue where they left off. For high schoolers and more advanced middle schoolers, I like to have them play solo flute pieces that fit with their ability level. If the student is in band at school, I also work through that music with them if they are interested. 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

Instruments: Drums

We start by doing proper warm up exercises followed by learning or practicing rudiments. We work on our grip of the sticks and our movements while drumming. In other words, I teach economy of movement for maximum energy. If a student is flailing their arms, we talk about a more fluid movement by utilizing the wrists and incorporating finger control. Then we move on to reading out of instructional books which is then followed by practical application on the drum sets.With a beginner student I find Basix Syncopation for Drums by Alfred Publishing to be a very effective tool. Read More