Music Lessons in Ronkonkoma, NY

Instruments: Drums

I've been passionate about teaching drums since I was in college, and I was thankful to have great instructors during my formative years that gave me a great foundation for getting new drummers started in a way that is fun, effective, and non-intimidating. A solid foundation in snare drum technique and basic sight-reading is important for all beginners, but I also find it very effective to teach the drums through learning songs with my students. Read More

Instruments: Violin

The Heartbeat Project brings violin education and concert experience to Najavo children on the reservation in New Mexico. The Joining Hands Project in Israel combined the teaching and performance of both Arabic and Jewish music to children of all backgrounds in Israel, with the purpose of spreading inclusion and celebration of differences. From all of my experiences, I most enjoy teaching. I find that spreading knowledge about something is easy and fun if you are passionate about it, and it has connected me so strongly with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I have been teaching for over 40 years. In my studio, my focus is on repertoire, however I also cover ear training, theory and composition. I teach all styles of music with a focus on the classical repertoire. The theory, composition and ear training will often coincide with the style of music being studied. I provide 2 or 3 recitals every year where students have a chance to listen to others perform and find new music they have possibly not heard and would enjoy to learn. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

My teaching experience began during my college years, where I was granted the opportunity to work closely with young students in one on one settings as part of my practical courses, since then student teaching and a leave replacement position at Raynor Country Day School in Speonk have given me the opportunity to develop my skill set as a teacher and find new and exciting ways to challenge my students to develop as musicians. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe

I believe strongly that passion is infectious, and is key to my teaching. I ask all of my student to set realistic goals and treat our progress as a journey in which we will gradually pick up the skills to grow with steady work. This comes from enjoying the “artistic process” and can only be discovered when we move together at a pace that is comfortable for the student. The only requirement I have for any budding musicians is that we both be open-minded and willing to listen using our ears and mind (this goes for me too!). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I can't separate my life experience from music. I grew up hearing my parents perform, and from an early age found songwriting to be my principle form of expression. Songwriting also enables me to understand my experiences in a more intuitive way. My teaching is tied to my experience as a performer and songwriter, in that the central element of all these things is a shared experience. In performing, I experience the power the present moment has through the connection made with the audience. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

Every student is different, so in my view, every student will have a different path he or she takes- it's my job to provide the map. As such, there are some standard pedagogical tools I use- Arban, Schlossberg, Clarke, etc.- but I'll often customize certain things to create greater learning value and to address a particular challenge or musical interest. For beginning students, there's the additional challenge of learning a new language- musical notation, fingerings, etc. Read More