Music Lessons in Lenox Hill, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Mike C, both with vocals and instrumental performance fuses together a combination of classical training, old school jazz, and funk, altogether bringing a creative, and soulful interpretation to music.  Mike's heart and soul penetrates each note he plays in a fashion that is characteristic of performers double his age. At the same time he has brought the advancements of electronic music technology into his performance and composition expanding his sonic palette beyond "one horn, one sound." Mike's recording credits include the independant films "A Cup of Coffee" and "The Masterpiece." He has also performed live with The Crests, Melvin Sparks, in the Bahamas with Barry Newman, and appeared at such festivals as Woodstock, Riverhead Blues Festival, movie premier party for "The Prince of Central Park", The Bayou Music Festival, The Blues 2000 Festival, Lead vocals and saxophone for Pulse Productions, as a frequent performer both in lead vocals and sax at the Trump Casino's in Atlantic City as well as Empire City Casino.  Mike currently holds a Masters degree in Music Education from William Paterson University and is a New Jersey Certified music teacher with 16 years experience  teaching, K-6 band, general music, and chorus, music and movment for Autistic and special service students, as well as High School dance club. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Every student is different, so in my view, every student will have a different path he or she takes- it's my job to provide the map. As such, there are some standard pedagogical tools I use- Arban, Schlossberg, Clarke, etc.- but I'll often customize certain things to create greater learning value and to address a particular challenge or musical interest. For beginning students, there's the additional challenge of learning a new language- musical notation, fingerings, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I use a combination of established teaching methods, such as Alfred, Bastien, Hanon and Hal Leonard, as well as my own methods, which I've developed over the years. I also effectively utilize technology, such as Finale notation software to create special arrangements of songs for my students, YouTube videos for audio/visual support, and iPads. I have cultivated a warm demeanor and good sense of humor, which has helped my students remain engaged and in anticipation of the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The first thing I ask a student is what kind of music they enjoy. What we love to hear is almost always what we want to play. As someone with ADHD I completely understand and empathize with students who have a difficult time focusing and a different way of understanding a concept. Taking a breath and a stretch can sometimes be the best cure for learner's block. Pointing out real progress is one of the best way to fuel the desire to learn more and is itself a reward! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance. Performing has been one of the greater experiences of my life as a musician, and I've had the opportunity to play at the Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as performing in The Juilliard School, The Westminster College, Wharton Center for Performing Arts in Michigan, Steinway Hall in NYC. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Orchestral Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I see teaching as a gateway to help students express their creativity, while incorporating a disciplined approach to help them achieve more from challenged in life in general. i don't simply field song requests, I also explain to my students the inner workings of why certain musical concepts work, why the artist may have chosen that and how you as the student can incorporate these creative ideas into your own compositions. Read More