Music Lessons in Phelps, NY

Instruments: Guitar Saxophone Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I will be taking students of all ages; young or mature. Unless the student is a very beginner, I essentially go about teaching in the same method with each individual. I WILL TEACH THE STUDENT WHATEVER THEY WANT TO LEARN. Thats right. I've found that learning music is more fun for the student when you get to play what you already know, are comfortable with, or want to learn. It works like this: if the student wants to learn a guitar solo, I will show them the fundamentals of what it takes to understand it, break it down, and execute it. Read More

Instruments: Drums Djembe

Chris finds immense purpose behind the drum kit and strives to spread positivity through his music. He has been drumming for over 10 years and has been gigging professionally for over 6 years, performing in a variety of contexts, including both large and small jazz ensembles, funk bands, hip hop groups, singer-songwriters, and pop bands. He cultivates a unique sound at the drums, combining elements of African, Caribbean, and South American rhythms with traditional Western grooves to create something entirely fresh and powerful. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I always try to adapt to the student's preferences as far as learning, playing, length of lesson, amount of information, all-around comfortability. Goals are important, but so is acknowledging a student's progress and accomplishment / improvement. I do not believe in negative reinforcement, I'm very patient. Piano is a very difficult instrument to learn, at first it can be extremely overwhelming (especially for a pre-teen) so it's super important to take it one step at a time and have the first couple lessons be laid-back and relaxed, with no pressure. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching students of all ages since high school. While studying at Eastman, I have been responsible for teaching lessons to college-aged students of varying levels and abilities. I have also taught young beginners and older students returning to music. I have found that my wide ranging and diverse knowledge of the piano repertoire helps to engage students and encourages a personal relationship with music. My experiences have taught me the importance of having an adaptable teaching style that changes to help students reach their full potential: It is never enough to simply be a good pianist. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

From there, we create a plan to help you get to where you want to be, whether that be fundamental (breathing, embouchure, articulation, registration), advanced (riffing, ornamenting), musically (ear training, theory), or stylistically (classical, musical theater, pop, rock, etc). Guitar/Bass/Ukulele: I usually start beginners with the Hal Leonard method books, but also incorporate riffs and chords of your favorite songs from the very first lesson. Methods and techniques are needed to take your playing to the next level, but you also want to jam with your favorite songs! Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone Flute

I will work with each student to help them understand the fundamentals of jazz, for example, knowing major scales, minor scales, and all of the modes that we typically see in most jazz repertoire. For students that are more advanced we will work on learning how to play over common chord progressions and learn how to play songs found in the Great American Songbook. For students at a higher level, we can work on cementing more advanced techniques such as how to play over chord substitutions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

As I said, I do love to teach the individual, and after discovering their goals, use the approach that I believe will work best for them.  I have many books that I use, and have worked in the past with Bunny Brunel and Mel Bay.  With the instruments I teach, there are many different avenues that one could be wanting to take, from learning more theory, getting into Jazz Band at school, performing popular music live, or auditioning for college.  This is why I take a versatile approach in my teaching, and in describing my instruction methods. Read More