Music Lessons in Northford, CT

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching 11 years ago during my senior year of high school. At the time I had been playing for many years. During this time I had five students. One of my students was a friend who had been envious of my playing for a while when he decided to ask for lessons. It was truly amazing and rewarding to see him advance to a level where he could play along with other people and write songs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching experience has showed me that there is no one "correct" approach to learning guitar or any musical instrument for that matter. There are certainly valuable techniques that can be adopted by every student to help them progress, however each student presents their unique personality and tastes in music. In order to help bring out the student's musical "voice" on his or her particular instrument, my approach to teaching will vary. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Tuba

I come from the teachings of Edward Kleinhammer and Emory Remington, both outstanding trombone teachers. My undergraduate professor studied the techniques these two fine musicians advocated, and passed it on to me.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

A principle that I have lived by in the 45 plus years that I have taught, is that I am teaching the STUDENT as an individual with a particular personality, learning style, level of patience, tolerance for making mistakes and openness to trying new things. I do not teach MUSIC; I use it as the vehicle for learning. When a teacher really understands the nature of the student and shows his/her commitment to making every lesson a successful and happy experience for him/her, then the process of learning to play an instrument becomes a mutual and fulfilling experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

As I mentioned, I believe creativity should be encouraged. I am okay with any pace the student goes at, however I will still hold them to a high standard in terms of effort put in. I try and make each lesson fun and enjoyable, as well as a creative experience that still focuses on theory and fundamentals. I generally tend to split the lessons up into warm up techniques, repertoire, sight reading, listening/dictation, discussing music the student likes/wants to learn, and improvisation and songwriting. Read More

Instruments: Voice Drums

The way I've always approached music and teaching is with a sense of humilty and thanks. It is a true joy to be able to pass on the knowledge and lessons I've learned throughout my experience to those who are excited and passionate. To communicate the artistry of great songwriters, composers and performers, past and present, is both a privilege and a challenge. With that in mind, I set realistic goals for my students by teaching basic fundamental techniques and applying them to repertoire that is fun, recognizable, expressive and practical. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music

For all beginning students, I like to start out with buzzing exercises and embouchure technique. This is the most fundamental part of brass playing. Having a strong foundation in creating a sound consistently and efficiently makes learning everything else about brass playing infinitely easier. For this, I use the Arban method book and the "Buzzing Book" by James Thompson. Once these fundamentals start to become comfortable, I like to introduce some simple songs to apply the new techniques to. Read More