Music Lessons in Pelham, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer

I typically use the Alfred books for young beginning students. In these books, children learn the geography of the keyboard and learn about the contours of musical notation and by the end are using both hands. For adults, as well as intermediate children and up, I prefer the Michael Aaron series for intermediate and beyond. For beginning adults I use the Aaron Musical Primer. I also use the Aaron Technic for advanced performers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like to combine Technique and Theory with hands on application into songs. I start by doing an analysis of the level of theory and the proficiency of playing of the student. Then, I create a path of Theory = Practical learning to do. In theory, we analyze how music works before we touch the instrument. Then, we go on to learn technique on the instrument and learn song adapted to the students taste of music In this part, we also apply our theory knowledge onto what we play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I firmly believe that a love of music, over anything else, should be the driving force behind learning to play an instrument. I therefore try to instill in my students a genuine love of the art. This love then makes him/her want to practice! Practicing (and the entire learning process in general) should be natural, fluid, creative process rather than the heavy burden many young people make it out to be. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

I'm a passionate and dedicated teacher who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I began studying cello, violin, and piano in Kiev, Ukraine and continued my music education when I moved to the USA. I received a Bachelor's degree in Cello Performance from Central Washington University and a Masters degree in Cello Performance from Rice University. I have performed as an Assistant Principal in several orchestras in Washington State and have appeared as a soloist with Spokane Symphony and Olympia Symphony. Read More

Instruments: Drums

For materials I use the following; Vic Firth Snare Drum Method, Rudimental Swing Solos, Art of Bop Drumming, Brazilian Rhythms for Drumset, Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Syncopation, Rudimental Ritual, Tables of Time and Music Minus One. Each book focuses on sight reading, coordination and musical styles. Outside of reading materials, I always give my students music to listen to and recordings to play along to. Playing and listening to recordings provides a musical context for what we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I try to focus more on technique and the physical approach to the instrument, with the bass being so large and cumbersome it is most important that students are treating their own bodies well! Musicality is also very important, I may ask my students to listen for the longer line within a peace. If they cannot find the larger phrase we can explore it together! The focus on technique may seem tedious at first, but my students see vast pay off in their solo pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

My number one goal is to meet the student where they are at!--and we go on up from there. I like to develop a relationship with my students in which there is a shared responsibility. On my part, I will provide the necessary resources and guidance that will help them achieve their musical goals. Their part only requires a simple curiosity and willingness to learn something new along with a focused work ethic to put their newfound skills into practice! Read More