Music Lessons in Merrick, NY

Instruments: Drums Conga

One of the many ways I begin a lesson with a student is by asking them what type of music they enjoy listening to and playing. Once we have this initial discussion, I begin to build the foundation for the lesson plan and my teaching. For example, if a student mentions they enjoy playing Rock and Roll, I will begin with that particular style and simplify it for them. As a music instructor, I like to listen to my students play and then address the areas that need to be addressed with them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Piano For beginning piano students who are children, I usually start with my own lesson sheets I composed. I also entertain kids by having them color and draw notes and scales. After being familiar with fundamentals, depending on students progress, I recommend them to study with Hal Leonard's or Alfred's. From (Mid) highschoolers to adults, I will start off with Ferdinand Beyer first then Czerny with a couple other supplementary.  Voice For children, I keep them interested with children's song and have them play along singing. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

For beginning students, I use the Essential Elements book 1. This book introduces the student to the instrument in the most practical way while making it fun, and it has the student reading music from the beginning, which I find very important. After this, we go on to Suzuki book 2 and a scale book. Then we move our way through the Suzuki books and start to incorporate more complex scales and etudes. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For very young beginning students, I usually start with Shirley Givens' Adventures in Violinland. After some time, I like to switch to the Suzuki books to encourage training their ears. Each student is very different, and I cater and switch method books based on each student's individual need. For all ages, I encourage them to listen to violinists they enjoy on YouTube, and choose pieces they want to learn. Even if what they choose is a challenge, I believe they will be more inspired to work hard to learn the piece if they chose it. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I've taught private lessons in the New York area for 15 years. Over years of touring internationally, I've been involved with running workshops on Eastern European music at festivals and cultural centers. And, while working on my master's degree at Queens College, I founded and directed the Queens College Balkan Music Ensemble, devising a curriculum for students that had no familiarity with Balkan music. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I strive to give my students all the tools they need to become complete musicians who can play, listen and connect with music on an active level. I work with my students to develop a strong technical foundation on their instrument, from which we can explore harmony, rhythmic training, ear training and theory. Beginner students will eventually be able to read and interpret sheet music, improvise, learn songs by ear, and compose music. Read More