Music Lessons in Petersham, MA

Instruments: Trumpet Euphonium

My teaching experience dates back to my mid-high school days, where I would teach elementary and junior high students brass technique in one-on-one settings, help teach my junior high jazz band, and teach a combo that I put together myself. As time went on, I gradually built up my studio to a part-time gig in college. During summers in college, I would teach various marching band camps and work as the RA at a jazz camp. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding to me that seeing a student make steady progress in their lessons and feel proud of themselves in what they have accomplished! I will tailor my lessons to what the student wants to ultimately take away from the lessons, and then I will help them achieve that goal at a pace that is suitable for them and encourages healthy, sustainable growth towards their desired outcome. After determining what the student wants to achieve musically, I will set weekly, realistic goals for the student to meet and to feel accomplished every week by the end of their lesson! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Electric Violin

I am passionate about teaching as well as performing. My night job includes performing as a classical pianist at Cavey's Italian Restaurant in Manchester, CT on Saturday nights every other month. I also am the keyboardist in the alternative modern rock band, Perfect Fate. We are on Facebook as Perfect Fate. My main song that has been released on Itunes and Amazon is "Atmosphere." I was able to incorporate my writing style and also my knowledge of guitar, though it is not my sole instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica

Nothing is more rewarding than helping someone discover their musical personality. Again, my style of teaching is partially dependent on what a student hopes to gain from lessons, but I first like to develop a rapport with the musicians I work with in order to foster a comfortable environment and healthy ambition. I think it is also necessary to set realistic goals to allow students to actively see their own progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Accordion

    Lessons are flexible and tailored to each student's needs and are focused on what the student wants to learn, or what the parents want the student to learn.  Lessons  include:        - scales        - arpeggios        - sight reading        -  theory        - ear training        - lead sheets        - chords        - improvisation    Students are encouraged to listen to music, and I  provide both a listening list and links to videos. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I have been a music teacher since 1972, teaching classroom music, as well as being a Choir and Band Director, in Vernon, Glastonbury and West Hartford. Especially popular were my guitar and music of the theater classes. I have also directed various musicals on the Middle School level, such as You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Fiddler on the Roof, Babes in Arms, Oliver and others. At times, I even accompanied the shows on piano as I directed! Read More