Music Lessons in Shelter Island Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began in 2016, when I enrolled in a degree program in secondary education at Southern Connecticut State University. At Southern, I learned very much about human development, and teaching methods and strategies. I also gained over 120 hours of classroom observation experience. Upon graduating with a B.A. degree in Physics (Southern doesn't offer music education degrees), I was hired as a Paraprofessional in a New Haven Public School. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

My preferred method of teaching for beginner students is my own adaptation of the Thompson method with strong emphasis on theory and technique. A study of intervalic relationships, chords and progressions combined with terminology, sight reading, ear training and form will provide the student with skills which will allow them to play any style and genre of music they desire. Although the Suzuki method seems to be popular today, I have discovered many short comings of this pedagogical approach and often renders a good pianist limited in their capabilities as a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music

I find immense joy in seeing a student discover something new about their instrument. As someone who has taught people with all sorts of learning capacities, I've found that there is no one who can't be motivated through proper goal-setting and progression marking. As part of this, I always recommend a student records their lessons so they can have a consistent marker to show how far they've come. I am a huge believer in teaching and learning with a growth mindset. Read More

Instruments: Voice Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music should not be boring or intimidating, so I teach to my students' personalities and their comfort levels. I will ask my students to try rigorous exercizes but I will do so in a manner that is fun and rewarding, not exhausting. I enjoy adding humor to my lessons and I like to keep the mood light and conversational because music is as much about connection and communication as it is about notes. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar

I've had students use the FJH Young Beginner Guitar Method and Hal Leonard Guitar Method books for learning how to read music notation. I've also used Hal Leonard Guitar TAB Method for learning chords and riffs. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Music

Inspired by the Music of Louis Armstrong and Al Hirt, I felt it was a sign for me to learn the Trumpet. The year was approximately 1961. I was 9 years old at the time. Now 60 years later, I still have that same love for Music and still enjoy playing the trumpet. I was taught by my grandfather, who was a Professor of Music who played and taught multiple brass and woodwind instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard

My intermediate students I like to pull form either the Klose for clarinet students, the Trevor Wye books for flute, and Ferling for saxophone. My advanced students I like to introduce solo repitoire as well as more advance studies on their respective instruments, as well as more comprehensive scale and tone exercises. I love to focus on technique and musicality, and with that musical reading ability falls right into place. Read More