Music Lessons in Shelter Island Heights, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Synthesizer Euphonium Music Keyboard

I am no drill sergeant, but I wont lie to you either. I know when you've practiced and when you haven't. I encourage you and always be honest with you about your progress. I am on your side and want you to succeed.  That being said, I have a fairly structured lesson. Starting with a breif warm up, we wilk touch upon a review of the previous lesson, technique drills, and then the music we are currently workung on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

My goal is always to make students self-sufficient. I want students to be able to warm-up, practice and improve on their own. I did not become a great singer until I learned how to workout problems for myself. I also want to see students gain confidence and believe that they can perform in public and accomplish their singing goals. Improving one's singing can be an avenue to gaining greater confidence in other aspects of life. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

In creating a unique curriculum for a student on any instrument, it is important that I find out the following information: What does the student enjoy about music already? What kind of music does the student enjoy already? What does the student want to do with music (i.e. play in a rock band, perform a NYSSMA solo, qualify for marching band, etc...). What are the parents'/guardians' expectations for the student? Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for more than 25 years and I have instructed students of many different ages and ability levels. My experience with music is now at 30+ years. I have worked as a private music tutor and have played with many local bands/musicians during that time. I've also done studio work with original acts, but I prefer performing live.  When talking with young players or those who wish to become musicians my advice to them is to be patient, don't get discouraged and practice as much as possible! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Ultimately students must really enjoy what they are doing to be successful in the long term. I try to discern the student's strengths and build on those. A sense of accomplishment and progress needs to be maintained with mostly positive feedback and encouragement to strive to be better. The students interests must be taken into consideration, whatever they may be while pushing to broaden their interests and understand the common elements in all kinds of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Accordion Keyboard

It is important to me that I pay attention to a student during a lesson to see what confuses them, what excites them and what frustrates them. I go at their pace. When a student shows a lot of interest and is practicing regularly I will try and challenge them as much as I think they can handle. Children and adult students need to know they are making progress. And I am a great encourager. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I began teaching when I was in High School, where I had several students of varying ages and skill levels.  I taught private lessons in their homes.  I encourage regular practice, and weekly lessons.  A mixture of method books and my own personal written lessons I have found to be the most effective teaching strategy. Books with a variety of popular solos I also utilize.  Method books are necessary for skill, but can get boring and repetitive for younger students.  Keeping things fresh and interesting is my main focus in teaching. Read More