Music Lessons in Peter Cooper Village, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My music pedagogy is influenced by Zoltan Kodaly, mile Jaques-Dalcroze, Edwin Gordon, and Carl Orff. For teaching violin, while I employ elements of the Suzuki Method, Strictly Strings, and Metodo Nicolo Violin to instill discipline and establish ,precision, I set up a lively, interdisciplinary, and creative environment by incorporating calisthenics, games, dancing, singing, and storytelling to encourage versatility and innovation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Accordion

My approach varied from student to student. I decide about it after the first lesson where I can determine what kind of steps will take. I have my own music books with songs and exercises that I have developed over last twenty years of teaching I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Every lesson begins with vocal warm ups and breathing exercises, the importance of which can't be understated. Just as athletes wouldn't take the field without stretching, singers should never sing without giving their voice time to warm up. Warming up also serves as an excellent way for Jon to gauge student progress and make sure they are vocally healthy. After warm-ups, we move on to song study. Students and I work together to pick out the best songs for their particular voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe

For beginners I usually start them off with two books, Stick Control and Funky Primer. I then pair what they learn from those with real world examples and try to incorporate that into songs that they want to play. For more intermediate students we focus more on developing their musical vocabulary and all around versatility. We go more in depth on rudiments and using them around the kit. We also start covering music industry fundamentals and the skills they need to market themselves as a musician and how to put together or find a band to start gigging with! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm all about bringing positive vibes into what I teach! I love music and I bring that love into everything I teach. My goal is to always make sure the student feels comfortable, feels heard, and feels prepared for anything I may throw at them. Music is a living experience and I believe as a teacher you need to bring that energy every time you teach. I make sure every student feels accomplished from everything I ask of them, I'm considerate in my instruction, and I make sure every assignment I give is feasible for the student's level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music Keyboard

For absolute beginner students of any age, we begin outside of a book as the best way to learn is from personal experience. With wind players for example, we work on breathing, posture, and hand position as these three components help students produce a quality sound in as comfortable of a way as possible. Moving into more formal studies, I used the Standard of Excellence series for young children and the Rubank series for more intermediate students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I provide the highest standards of music instruction and performance for my students by providing a fun and challenging environment and motivating them to discover their inner strengths, abilities, and what truly inspires them. I develop curriculums that meet the needs and differences of each individual student. By showing the correct path forward, I can build confidence in their ability and in their lives overall. I continually improve my teaching skills and employ the most effective and efficient methods to ensure the highest standards and maximum success. Read More