Music Lessons in Nesconset, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Mallet Percussion Keyboard

I have always felt an innate passion for music. From a young age, you could be sure to find me by my family's upright piano - either plunking pretend melodies on its keys or hiding in the magical world I thought existed behind it. Soon, I joined every performing and competitive ensemble I could. Each new form of music and expression was wonderful to me. Singing, theater, mallet percussion, vibraphone, saxophone, jazz, learning different musical forms, I couldn't get enough! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

I have been featured as a solo guitarist in many area venues and am currently performing throughout the Tri-State as one half of the "Dina Woody" duo. Teaching highlights include preparing students for recitals, auditions and/or on the gig performance allowing myself to enjoy the gratification that comes with their success. I have been fortunate to mentor more than a few on to prominent music programs, some of whom enjoy part full-time careers in the art. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Latin Percussion Keyboard

I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, I have a degree in Jazz performance from the City College of New York (B.Mus.), and recently graduated from a M.Mus. at William Paterson University on a full academic scholarship. My undying love for the music has taken me from Colombia to Canada, and to New York City, and granted me the opportunity to share the stage with world-class musicians like Al Foster, Will Vinson, Pat LaBarbera, Steve Wilson, Marco Panascia, and Jonathan Kreisberg among many others. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For beginning students I start them on practice pads so they can get used to holding and playing with drum sticks. From there I teach the fundamentals of drumming, which are rudiments and reading while also teaching them easier songs on the drum set that they love. I can guarantee that within their first two lessons they will be able to play "We Will Rock You" by Queen and also play a basic beat on the drum set. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

The books I recommend purchasing for piano students is much more dependent on their goals and level of playing. Older drum students can expect to study concepts such as The Rudimental Ritual by Alan Dawson. Older piano students can expect to study chart reading found in The Real Book. I have ideas regarding lesson plans for students but my most important goal is to understand what the student WANTS to study and help them achieve their short term and long term goals in music. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet Acoustic Guitar

Most of my experiences teaching music has been with beginners or intermediate players. Initially, I find it so helpful to foster the student's prime interest in music- figuring out with them what it is that makes them play, or what will keep them playing when they don't even have a reason to. I love giving students things to listen to or watch and then having them show me the same thing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

There are many method books available, one that I have used is "Piano Adventures" by Nancy and Randall Faber. There are many series of books now available with varied styles of music from beginning to intermediate levels such as those by Martha Mier, Robert Vandall and Christopher. Very young students and sometimes even those who are older have difficulty understanding musical notation and it is useful to teach them by rote while also improving reading skills. Read More