Music Lessons in Red Hook, NY

Instruments: Trumpet Music

We often forget this with strict practice routines, but enjoying what you do is just as important as anything! I provide each student with an individualized lesson curriculum. Students are given assignments each week and instructed to return the following week with their assignment prepared, such as scales, arpeggios, etudes, and various other fundamental exercises. As I said, we will also play plenty of FUN music along the way, and I will give each student a chance to learn the kinds of music that they like best! Read More

Instruments: Drums

I believe in tailoring my lesson plans to individual students. I like to target a students musical goals and help them achieve them whether it be through method books or passing down techniques. I've been fortunate enough to have been around many incredible educators throughout the years and try to take the methods they've showed me and apply it to my own teaching style. For drum students I teach out of various books including Syncopation, Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Stick Control and Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In the past, I have taught a couple of students who were beginners. One student was not American, and I had to teach her proper English pronunciation, while teaching her vocal technique. She was a hard worker, and came prepared the next week. Therefore, I could work at a faster level with her, then could I with another student who was progressing more slowly. If I can make a difference by teaching, in vocal technique, but also in the love of music, having fun, and finding and tapping into the creative part of my students, then I did my job.  Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Music Djembe

I'm a dedicated teacher with a lifetime of experience studying and performing all kinds of music. I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I learned to play drums from my dad, an important figure in the music scene there, and by listening to and copying the drummers on my favorite records. I began playing drums professionally when I was 14, first with my dad on his gigs, and then with other musicians in Milwaukee. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Recorder Oboe Music Keyboard

I began teaching while I was in college to young band students who had never before picked up an instrument, whether it was the keyboard or the oboe. This required teaching not only the technique of the instrument but also foundational musicianship. I also worked consistently with other college-aged students while they completed their piano skills courses, as well as the younger oboists in their technique courses and reed making classes. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

For beginner students young and old I start out with Rubank Elementary Method for saxophone. This book provided a solid foundation in basic theory and reading that lead to musical literacy. From there I go towards the basics of improvisation in the blues while continuing with technique books on the side. Once this foundation is in place I begin to encourage the student to explore music they're passionate about and start with the basics of solo transcription and more advanced improvisation. Read More