Music Lessons in Ridgewood, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Keyboard

I typically tailor my lesson plans to the needs of the student. In general, I will allocate appropriate Etudes, Scales, and Repertoire that is inline with their abilities and the standards of their particular instrument. If they are preparing for an upcoming performance or audition, that may take precedent. But I also think there is equal need for unstructured time that allows students to explore music as a creativity medium via music listening, exploratory exercises, improvisation, or even composition. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I listen and watch students and learn from them what it is they need, going from wherever they may be with the instrument, to the next step. And then beyond, all at a pace which motivates them while making them confident they have what they need to enjoy their own music. Each student is unique and I tailor what we do to their age, level of experience, musical aspirations and personality. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I like to make music learning a self-engaged process. Students will keep track of their assignments, make some of the decisions about what music to play, and be expected to practice a minimum of 5 or 6 days per week. Students are sometimes reluctant to have discipline at first, but once they realize that they are making fast progress and overcoming musical challenges, they tend to have a great time. I have had parents of middle schoolers tell me that the structure music lessons have brought to their students' lives has made a huge difference in other areas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola Music

I have taught students of all ages from 3 to teenager and adults. I also have prepared students for ABRSM exams, NYSSMA exams, specialized middle school and high school auditions, pre-college programs and other auditions. I have also taught students who are learning just for themselves from reading sheet music. I like to teach students the method and tip to practice, and encourage student challenge something new techniques , and most important is expression from music. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I have created a curriculum which is comprised of the Suzuki series for Violin, the String Builder Series by Samuel Applebaum; the Introducing the Positions-Volumes I & 2 and Scale studies by Harvey S. Whistler. Music theory is taught using the Master Theory Series by Charles S.Peters and Paul Yoder. Additional Etudes that focus on Bowings, and Double Stops are taught to the more advanced student. Musical compositions such as Sonatas and Concertos by the major composers continue to develop the skills of the advanced student. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I would start off with form, posture, and technique. These point are extremely important and sometimes skipped over so developing good performance habits right away is essential. I would also start them with the basics of reading treble clef and learning where the notes on the staff translate to on the neck. They would be walking away from their first lesson with a one octave C major scale and some short, repetitive exercises to get them ready for their first song. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Brent started playing on pots and pans as a child and then moved to the drum set at the age of 8 with instruction from his two older brothers. He joined the school band and performed drum solos for entertainment at school events. Soon it became evident that being a drummer was his calling. Brent received his degree from Berklee College Of Music as a scholarship student and performed with many musicians in the Boston area. Read More