Music Lessons in Oakland Gardens, NY

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I was taught primarily in the William Leavitt method, and use these resources to introduce students to the basics of sight-reading, theory, and technique. My personal preference is not to adhere too strictly to any one method however, instead focusing on the application of theory within a more active musical context. Improvisation is extremely important to developing a working understanding of music in my opinion, and much of my lessons are based in actively performing progressions with students, focusing on both comping and soloing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Nothing beats seeing one of my pupils acquire an interest in music! As a result, each student must proceed at their rate. At each lesson, I promote this by setting realistic goals for my pupils, either learning the most challenging parts of a song or just learning a simple phrase that was hard previously. Recognizing accomplishments fuels students' desire to advance and prepares them to learn more. By attempting to discover what motivates the student, I can appropriately personalize my training to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

During my years in Poland I was acclaimed for my exceptional way of interpreting the romantic composers and specially the music of Frederic Chopin. I performed concerts throughout Poland and Germany, most importantly at the Chopin’s Birth Place in Zelazowa Wola, under Chopin’s Monument in Wlazieki Park, The Ostrogski Palace and The Grand Theater in Warsaw. Once in New York City I debuted at Carnegie Hall in 1993 where I played Albeniz, Schumann and Chopin. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My method of working with the voice is to first get a sense of what the student's goals are. These include both vocal goals and career/performance goals. We will then work together to form a plan to achieve them. This will include exercises tailored directly to the student's vocal needs and desires and guiding the student to repertoire that will both be fun for them to sing and will teach them more about the concepts we are working on. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time over 20 years ago. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that teaching a combination of various musical styles can go a long way in helping students thoroughly enjoy drumming and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The worst thing that can happen in a teaching environment is that the student falls out of love with music. Unfortunately, I’ve seen this happen time and time again. Therefore I protect my students love for the art like a mother does a child. It is important that my student knows what he or she wants to learn so that from the start, I am not forcing them to study something they have no interest in. Read More