Music Lessons in Red Creek, NY

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I like to talk with my students and / or their parents, and discover what their desired end result is, or their interests.  I then tailor my lesson to meet their needs.  Sometimes, as you are going along in your lessons, you learn more about your student, and can make adjustments.  Depending on age and level, I'll make sure they know everything from proper care and holding of the instrument to theory.  I have many materials to take from, and have worked with such authors as Mel Bay and Bunny Brunel, to name a couple. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

After that I still try to keep it relaxed but a bit more focused. The first lesson with any student is usually a sort of trial-and-error phase until the student starts to feel comfortable with methods/approach. I do use books but don't rely on them. If a student is really trying to focus on a particular aspect of music, like for example phrasing during improvisation, then I can share my own knowledge and recommend professional material to them. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Music Djembe

I am a professional musician, having played drum set/ percussion for over 15 years and have studied at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, graduating with a Bachelor's and later a Master's degree in Jazz Studies: Drum Set. I have toured and performed professionally throughout the United States and abroad. I have studied with some of the best drummers in the world, including Rich Thompson, Jeff Hamilton, and Mark Ferber. I have been apart of prestigious and highly competitive programs such as the Disneyland All American College Band and Banff Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music, and was a national winner in the 2017 Yamaha Young Artist's Competition in drum set put on by the Yamaha Corporation. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Music Keyboard

When teaching students I always create custom lesson plans and materials. Every student is unique, so why should all lessons look the same! In the first few classes, I focus on finding what kind of music my student is passionate about, and what methods of instruction works best for them. Then, week by week, I work on technique and technical fundamentals in a way that is closely related to the music we are looking at. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

The methods I work in are very particular for the specific student. I work to cater my teaching to the student rather than the other way around. It really is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the individual student to be able to determine what is the best course of action. For early beginners I work with the Simandl book, as well as exercises and etudes that are common such as Sturm, and Petracchi. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Drums Organ Synthesizer Recorder Euphonium Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Acoustic Guitar

I teach "Total Piano". Whether you are young or young at heart, a beginner or an advanced player, I will teach the entire instrument. You will learn to read and to play by ear. After all, isn't all music playing by ear? Every style of playing can be taught, whether it is the great classics or picking out the notes you hear off the TV. I teach how to listen and apply what you hear. Read More