Music Lessons in Peter Cooper Village, NY

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion

I developed a passion for teaching when I picked up a few students in college. The experience was fulfilling, and I realized that I enjoyed imparting my love for the instrument on others. After graduating, I continued to pick up students and teach private lessons in my home studio. The most important element to learning any instrument is to cultivate a genuine curiousity. I encourage students to listen to a broad spectrum of music, and to find things they like about certain artists and musicians. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

For beginning students I typically start with Hannon and my own finger exercises. I ask the the student to draw notes on a staff so they can get familiar with reading and composing music. All students from beginner to advanced, are given warm up exercises and recommended pieces to play . After 30 years of teaching piano, organ and flute ,I have written my own lesson books series. Each lesson program is custom fit to the students style and playing level. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Assuming that the student is starting from scratch, I start by directing them how to hold the bow and explaining all the different parts of the bow and their purpose. I then move over to the violin and do the same. I first start with showing them a good bow hold as I feel like a proper bow hold is a very important key to making a great sound. I will also take the time to explain the role of the fingers and show how it is the foundation to all the bow technique they are going to learn. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle Music

As a teacher, I bring with me over 13 years of experience working with violinists ranging from young beginners to advanced, conservatory-level musicians. I am passionate about pedagogy and foster a fun, productive, and confidence-building lesson environment that is tailored to each students individual learning style and goals. I have created my own personalized curriculum from violin schools including the Suzuki Method and Mimi Zweig, as well as that of my mentor, the renowned violin pedagogue Shirley Givens. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I only teach Intermediate and Advanced students, and my method really depends on the particular student. I don't believe in a single, "core curriculum" for piano-playing. It really depends on the students' goals, strengths/weaknesses, etc. For my beginning intermediate students, I usually give a selection of little pieces to learn by Bach, Schubert, and Schumann to start developing their ear and sense of rhythm/musicality. I also highly encourage my students to learn new things constantly so that they get more comfortable learning new music fast! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

For beginning students, I usually work with Hal Leonard's essential elements as well as use the piano as a tool for them to hear the pitches they are playing. Once the fundamentals are grasped we can work on introductory solo repertoire. For children I'd like to make this a bit more fun as well, introducing some easy tunes they will be familiar with or excited to play. (for example, Jason Derulo's song "Trumpets") For adults, I think its best to find out what their interests are and we can target what to work on from there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is conversational. We created a project or topic. I'll tell you my experiences & listen to your questions. I will customize exercises or solutions to any issue you may have. I teach the student how to get a natural feel that includes tone, time, & finesse. The goal is to get the student sounding like they have been playing longer than they have actually been. Applying these abilities to songs the students are interested in is the next step. Read More