Music Lessons in Lancaster, NY

Instruments: Voice

Fortunately, while attending graduate school I was given the opportunity to teach as an associate professor of voice at the Conservatory level. I worked with many different age groups as well as vocal styles. I encouraged my students to perform in a recital at the end of the semester to help them strive for their personal best. It was so wonderful to see how improved everyone was at the end of the year. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute

I feel that it's very important to see what skill level each student is at in order to meet their needs. I want my students to be challenged during lessons but still have fun playing their instrument. We would work on grasping the fundamentals, such as scales, embouchure, etc. but I will make sure to include things that each student would find challenging, engaging, and fun no matter what their skill level or ability is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Keyboard

My passion is music and spreading that joy to others. Each student is different and special. I find ways to tap into the potential of all students (of any age), and assist them in goal setting, using music as a tool in many ways, and building the confidence to continue adding music- performance or not- into their lives. I took a very non-traditional path into music as a career, but I love guiding others in their musical pursuits from a viewpoint of someone who made missteps along my journey, and strive to be the best musician and teacher I can be. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I primarily teach the saxophone to younger students, and in this area I emphasize the fundamentals of tone production and the development of the musical imagination. My thinking here is simple: if you understand how the instrument works and you can imagine how something should sound, it takes only a matter of experimentation and diligence to achieve your goals. If the student is prepared to do this, I am there as an enthusiastic supporter and facilitator. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to have a nice blend between two general areas of study with my students.  I ideally like to spend half of the lesson time focusing on the more academic side of things and the other half on just playing tunes.  Academic material would include things like sight-reading and basic music theory to truly educate my student about music while playing tunes (of the student's choosing) is a way to make it more of a fun environment.  I feel that having this balance will alow me to train my students with a proper education while still being relaxed and having fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, I begin with asking them to show me what they already know, and to explain to me where they want to take their playing and what their goals for the future are. I then design a curriculum unique to each student's interests and needs to keep them engaged and having fun. For beginner students I like to emphasize fundamentals through playing simple and recognizable chords and riffs instead of only focusing on exercises, which can makes students bored and discourage them. Read More