Music Lessons in Newtonville, MA

Instruments: Piano Flute

I always try not to push for practice assignments, students are busy for school homework, outdoor activities, family obligations, most importantly, students should have fun to play music, of course practice is important, but if students lost interest in music playing, it will be hard to continue to have lessons. For parents, they would like to see kids's improvements, so that I set up student recital each year, and they can see how the kids improved each semester. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I am an experienced and versatile musical performer, composer, and educator who has experience working with pupils of all levels aged four to sixty. I have held teaching positions at music schools and summer programs offering education in youth jazz and wind ensembles, group and private lessons, general music, and music technology.  Some of my additional experience includes developing curriculum, organizing and scheduling youth music programs, and instructing a bilingual classroom of English and Spanish speakers. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I start with the Suzuki cello books, and teach books 1 to 5. I reinforce the Suzuki with pop/ non-classical songs, depending on the student's interest. After Suzuki 5, which is well into the intermediate level, I introduce individual works (small concerto's, sonatas, etc.) and cater them towards the student's ability and interest. For younger or beginner students, I reinforce the Suzuki books with sight-reading, and as they progress, I add in etude studies.  Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students, I typically start with Hanon exercises to improve manual strength and dexterity. At the same time, these exercises can help students to learn to sightread, and I will give an additional lecture on musical notation with written material for reference at no charge if necessary. After one or two weeks, I usually assign simple Bach pieces or appropriate solo repertoires to experience music right under their fingertips. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I did not specificly stick to particular music series in the market as I believe it is best to choose the music books that match with the age, personality and learning style of a student. I had started with Alfred, Faber and Hal Leobard for my young beginners. I will also introduce students with Suzuki methods if I think this is a better fit.As for later or adult beginners, I used Faber, Alfred, and John Thompson series as the starting material, and give instructions along with the students' interest. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I try to incorporate different exercises for each piece of music to keep things interesting for my students. I believe active physical engagement of the body is important to achieve freedom for the voice. This is particularly helpful for younger children to keep their minds from wandering during the lesson. I often ask for feedback from the students, to check in on how they are feeling physically and vocally. During our lessons, I hope to train up students to be creative thinkers and discerning individuals so that they can find their own authentic interpretation of the song. Read More