Music Lessons in Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano

I have played the piano since childhood and specialize in the classical repertoire, as I believe it offers the most comprehensive method of attaining instrumental mastery. However, I will not hesitate to use any material that interests a student, in any genre, provided sheet music is available. I can play jazz and improvise fluently and have also played in blues bands, but prefer to devote myself to classical music. I play the guitar at an advanced level and for the last seven years have written about a great variety of Western music for Fanfare Magazine, contributing full length interviews, often with famous musicians, and CD and DVD reviews. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I was a Music Teacher in the New Haven Public School system for 10 years, and then moved on to become the Music Coordinator at the Highville Charter School for eight years. In addition she had the pleasure of being a vocal/coach at the Amity Music Academy in Woodbridge, CT in which she moved on to the New Haven Academy of the Performing Arts teaching vocals/piano lessons, and she was also the Music Director of the Musical Theater Intensives, while at the New Haven of Performing Arts, I had the pleasure of joining an organization called International Voice Teachers of Mix, in which I am consistently being educated on the voice specifically mix technique . Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele

I have been teaching music since high school. I have a real organized approach to teaching that makes it easy to understand techniques and theory. I have played in many groups of all styles. The musical styles of these groups range from rock, folk, country, zydeco and blues. I have a Bachelor's degree in music from University of Massachusetts Lowell. While studying there I focused on producing and performing on recordings. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I want you to be able to relax! And I'll do my best to make sure you are. You are free/ encouraged even to interject questions and make observations along the way. For beginners I introduce the instrument itself, its components and functions, how to care for the instrument, how to hold it and put it safely away in the case. Then we move on to air stream. A steady relaxed air stream surprisingly enough is all you need to produce a tone. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For Beginner students I have them start with the recorder. The instrument allows for a smooth segue to the flute being that the student can see their fingers and the recorder does not require the same air speed and lung capacity that the flute does so the student can pace themselves. For intermediate or advanced students I will go through orchestral excerpts, etudes, or technical studies with them. I follow the same model with my adult students, if they are just starting out I will recommend beginning on recorder to solidify fingerings however the mental and physical capacity of an adult versus a young child are very different. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

My approach to teaching varies in accordance with a students playing level and needs. With beginners and young students, experience has taught me that it is best to get someone playing actual music as soon as possible, usually in the first lesson. It is just as well to have a student begin by learning a simple riff from a song that they like, as to make them learn some hokey melody from a one size fits all how-to book.Going forward, I continue to work with a new player on music that they would like to play, while simultaneously covering music theory, and technical information, as they relate to the choice of repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am an intuitive teacher: I have learned how to observe my students, their moods, their energy levels, and adjust my lesson plan on the fly. For instance, one student has ADHD, which I manage by injecting exciting new rhythms for him to mimic when I see his attention wander. I then harness that renewed focus towards the original goal of the lesson, whether it’s learning a new time signature or a complex cross-rhythm. Read More