Music Lessons in Oakdale, NY

Instruments: Voice

I believe regular practice and getting as much experience as you can in various styles is key. I never restricted myself to one style of music, and if you don't want to, you don't have to. I did musical theater shows, but also performed in classical choirs and church choirs, teaching me various types of musical styles. I currently perform with an NYC based trio, and we perform all types of musical genres. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I truly love helping people uncover their passion for singing and developing their unique voice. During the first lesson, I ask the students about their musical goals and if there are particular techniques they feel they want or need to master. I ask the student to keep a record of this, as having a mission or musical goals is vital in keeping engaged with practice. From here, I help them isolate the various techniques they are working towards in addition to the aspects I feel need attention. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners to the guitar, bass or banjo I usually start with the basic notes and chord shapes. When they progress and for more advanced students, I introduce reading tab, music, scales and basic chord progressions. For advanced students I generally work with modes, finer technique and advanced sightreading, chordal and modal melodies. To work in practice exercises I typically bury them in pieces the student enjoys to better get the hang of them. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

With beginner students, regardless of age, I start with the Suzuki pre-twinkle exercises to build a solid foundation of technique, as well as starting ear training exercises and note reading practice. Once a student has mastered the pre-twinkle fundamentals, I move to the first two Suzuki books, and supplement with etudes tailored to the student's level and musical interests. My philosophy is that learning should be organic and enjoyable, so I do my best to introduce repetitive and uninteresting exercises only when necessary, and to make them as entertaining as possible when I do so. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I like to start them on the Hal Leonard Essential Elements. I believe it moves at the proper pacing for young children. For intermediate students, Accent on Achievement works well because I find the music is more challenging. Also I require older students to know scales, primarily Bb, Eb, and F major being that they are the easiest to learn. It is from there that I gradually add a new scale (one every few weeks) until ultimately all 12 major scales are learned. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am looking for students who have the time and energy to dedicate themselves to practicing a minimum of four times per week. My lessons are fast paced and fun, and students who practice regularly can expect to see noticeable improvement in their playing each week. In each lesson I will introduce some new techniques and will work with you on scales, fundamentals, exercises from a method book, and music (classical, jazz, or both, depending on the player's preferences). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a native of Flower Mound, Texas, and I was first introduced to the joy of singing in my church’s children’s chorus at the age of five. I belonged to that chorus until I graduated from Marcus High School in 2013. In addition, I was a member of my school choruses beginning in fifth grade. I was very fortunate to perform at the 2013 ACDA Convention as a member of Marcus High School’s Varsity Treble Choir. Read More