Music Lessons in Litchfield, CT

Instruments: Trombone Tuba

During my time at Texas State University, I have been invited to perform at national and international events such as the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the Big 12 Trombone Conference, the Eastern Trombone Workshop and the International Trombone Festival. I have been named finalist for the Eastern Trombone Workshop, the Big 12 Trombone Conference, the Texas State Trombone Symposium, and has won the “Woods/Kone” and Concerto Competition at Texas State University. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Essential Elements of Band by Hal Leonard and Tradition of Excellence by Bruce Pearson and Ryan Nowlin. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce more advanced method books such as J.B. Arban: A Complete Method, and various etude books as well as solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every student is different, so the first thing I like to do is get to know them as a musician, where they are on their instrument, and what they wish to accomplish in lessons. I want to keep the student comfortable with what they are working on and at the same time find ways to go beyond the comfort zone. I like to incorporate music fundamentals with all of my students, including notation, scales, chords, and rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele

I use several different method books for teaching. The books I typically use are Alfred's Basic Guitar, Mel Bay's beginner books as well as Hal Leonard's melody books. I teach beginner students the basics of how to properly hold their guitar, hand and finger placement, and simple note reading and chords. For more advanced students I teach theory and how they can apply it in order to be more creative. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium

For students in a beginning band program, I will use whatever method book they are currently using. For students not in a band program I like to use the Rubank Method. To build upon those method books, I like using the Arban book and the Cimera phrasing studies. Because sight reading and ensemble playing are very important to my teaching style, every lesson will begin with a couple duets. It is my goal to help young students build the skills needed to master their band music without my help on it every week. Read More

Instruments: Drums Music

I have always taught in one form or another over the past 56 years, but spent the last 15 years honing my teaching skills and working with as many students at every level to ensure that what and how I teach is easily translated into plain language for the students. I've played drums and percussion in bands across many genres including Jazz, Rock, Soul, R & B, and Country. But I love to teach, which I do privately out of my home studio in Northern Westchester County, NY, as well as one-on-one lessons in your home. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to emphasize basics and fundamentals, as most teachers do. Developing facility, dexterity, and muscle memory is very important. I use simple exercises at first. In turn with various other exercises, confidence will gradually develop. Learning to play chords (rhythm guitar), and transitions between them is vital, to almost every style of guitar. Rhythm and awareness of the tempo and meter (beat) is also important, especially if the student will play music with others. Read More