Music Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Drums

Patience is the most important element! It is not easy to try to get another person to understand something you have been doing for 40 years. It takes time. Starting slowly and methodically and keeping things simple in most crucial. I will change speed and difficulty based on the skill level that I notice. Another important factor is to determine what drove the student to want to learn how to play drums. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I'm a driven instructor who loves nothing more than seeing his students play things they never thought possible. Originally from Montana, I moved to New York City five years ago to pursue a degree in jazz performance at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. Since graduation, I have kept a busy teaching schedule as well as performing both locally and throughout the country. During my time in NYC I have also been fortunate enough to perform with some of my musical heroes including Adam Nussbaum, Doug Weiss, and Matt Wilson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students I focus on the fundamentals; developing a sound and technique to allow them to be creative. I mix in ear-training with all of my students through different ways of connecting them to the music. I allow for all of my students to express their creativity through improvisation and all students are encouraged to reach creatively. I look to engage with my students in any way that relates with them. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar

I have taught privately on and off throughout my career in many different iterations. I bring a unique set of skills to the table as far as teaching is concerned, because I was totally self taught, learning very organically-listening and playing along to records, playing in bands-then went to music school at UGA and learned a more formal approach to how drums are taught. I then became immersed in many different scenes and learned very much 'on the job' playing tons of different styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe my experience and track record make me help the voice students who will discover themselves with joy and growing confidence to express themselves freely through singing. Singing is joyful and rejuvenating in mind and body! In addition, I have taught piano for beginner and intermediate in the past and as a conductor/soloist of church choirs over 15 years in New York City. I am looking forward to having new students with passion, desire, and patience to accomplish their goals and dreams in a healthy way of joyful singing and love to share with the community people and worldly people as well, as the Musical Ambassadors for the Peace on Earth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first student was a NYC firefighter that I met in October 2001 right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was looking for a way to distract himself from the experience that he had gone through. Working with him and seeing how simply playing a note on the saxophone changed his vibe and relaxed him, I realized that music truly heals. Since then, my approach has been to get to know my student well and discover how I can help them enjoy the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

My gift is understanding concepts and explaining them in a way people can understand (and adapting it to their learning style). I try to combine the best aspects of the instruction I received on piano and guitar, with useful and practical concepts (and styles) I had to seek out on my own. Typically I work out of the Ernie Ball How To Play Guitar books (Phases 1 and 2), while also incorporating popular songs (including songs the student wants to learn, as soon as they are compatible with his/her skill level). Read More