Music Lessons in Port Jefferson Station, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Piccolo Music

When teaching younger students, I prioritize developing a passion for music through engaging repertoire and positive encouragement, while instilling proper technique and organized practice with weekly progressive assignments. I also establish practice expectations and share progress with parents. In every lesson I demonstrate concepts by performing various woodwinds and piano, and by singing. Advanced students work towards external goals established in consultation with both students and parents like school concerts, honor band/orchestra auditions, or college applications, encouraging students to grow their musical community outside of the lesson studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I will start with a free assessment of the students level likes and dislikes and then devise a program suited to them. I will use a variety of materials and my own knowledge to guide the student through the rudiments while making the lesson fun and rewarding. I will include sight reading and all that entails, rhythmic and ear training exercises, listening and singing even though this is a piano lesson. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I have been teaching for over 45 years, mostly in students' homes. I started in the 1970's in my NYC apartment and since moving to Westchester 30 years ago have been going to student's homes. Many of my students have been accepted to colleges as music majors or minors and my students frequently get the highest ratings in solo competitions. School band directors often recommend me as a coach for their most serious students, since school music programs usually do not have the capacity for intensive individual coaching. Read More

Instruments: Voice

There are many methods in voice, but my favorite teaching method is Vaccai. Its a simple and thorough method that explores intervalic reading and understanding theory, as well as classical breath training. I also teach vocal improvisation with jazz standards and allow my students to research about other styles and genres that they are curious about. The most important thing is they keep a good vocal health practice that allows them to be versatile and creative. Singing is such a personal and meditative instrument that the more time you spend understanding your voice the more you will be able to achieve. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Keyboard

My work with the DCYOP, an El-Sistema inspired program, involves teaching the basics of playing the violin, viola, cello and music theory, adjudicating students’ progress, leading sectionals and full rehearsals in various DC schools, some from the most underserved communities. Highlights are having all the different schools come together for a large performance at the Kennedy Center and the students performances with Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Esperanza Spalding. I’ve also facilitated many youth orchestra performances and summer camps as string teaching artist in DC and Maryland showcasing that I can motivate the students to a high quality performance regardless of the amount of time. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching method combines aspects of the Suzuki method with my own creative exercises and improvisation. I believe that teaching students to invent melodies and rhythms from early in their musical training deepens their ability to hear and perform. I also believe that rhythmic exercises are not emphasized enough in classical instrumental training, and I incorporate such exercises into my own core curriculum. If a student is interested in improvisation, jazz, or pop music, I offer in-depth instruction to performing over chord changes, and other creative violin techniques like playing chords, chopping, and other percussive tools. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

On guitar I use the Hal Leonard method and then move into learning blues scales and pentatonic scales for soloing and then move into repertoire they are interested in. On drums, I will teach them rudiments to use when playing as well as play different drum charts to songs they enjoy. With voice, I will go through standard warm-ups and then find repertoire that the students are generally interested in whether it is classical, jazz, musical theater, etc. Read More