Music Lessons in Riverton, CT

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

One of my favorite things as a teacher and a musician is finding creative ways to relate certain musical aspects. Want to learn to play funky slap bass lines? let's start with a few octave excercises. Having trouble with a passage in Beethovens 5th? Maybe we can finger it a different way for less string crossings. Not sure how to count in 7/8? Try grouping beats together differently. These are just a few examples! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn

I have been teaching for more than 30 years, mostly in the public schools as well as privately. I have instructed large groups and ensembles, as well as smaller musical groups in and out of the public schools. Performing in various Jazz groups throughout the state has enhanced my teaching knowledge in the field of music education. My Masters degree in music education has enabled me to develop as a well rounded instrumental music teacher, and also as a flexible individual when it comes to understanding my students' musical needs. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning students, I typically will start them on a method book such as The Yamaha series, and start them on the basic pedagogy of the clarinet and saxophone,ie; putting the instrument together, putting the reed on the mouthpiece, setting the embouchure, etc. I will emphasize the importance of practicing; beginners, 5 times a week for 20 minutes, so they can succeed in learning their instrument. For Intermediate students, in Middle and High School for example, I will include the reportoire they are playing in their school performing groups, so they can excel in those. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard

There are a variety of suitable musical aides to use in teaching. Many different publishers and authors of study books are available and I am familiar with more than several of them. Age and maturity/attention span of the student will help to determine which books to select. Often a generally creative adolescent will prefer picture books of music to begin with. Adults can be engaged in fundamentals of music theory with piano playing in mind and receive more conversational instruction as appropriate with adult music to practice and play. Read More

Instruments: Flute

No matter the age level or experience of the student, I will first gauge the student's ability and current level. Then I will choose from appropriate method books depending on the student's skill level. If a student has a specific path that they want to take or have their own books they want to learn from, I will cater the lessons to that. I do not have one method to use for all students, as each and every student is different. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I have been teaching beginner students and children privately for the last 5 years. I have been freelancing as an organist, pianist, chorister and cantor all over Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts for the last 7 years. I particularly specialize in early music - from the Middle Ages through about 1780. I have particular love of early keyboards - clavichords and harpsichords, specifically. My vocal experience has helped and extensively continues to help my keyboard-playing AND keyboard-teaching. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am a very organised teacher, giving each of my students lesson notes with exercises and aspects to work on. I regularly suggest music which complements the work we are doing to strengthen the voice, create flexibility, or consistency of tone. I am a bit of a perfectionist, but I also hold myself to that high standard. It is so important to me to get students to listen to themselves, to think critically about what they hear and feel, and also learn how to troubleshoot issues on their own! Read More