Music Lessons in Smithtown, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

Originally from Kansas City, I studied vocal performance, choral conducting and music education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. I have directed and music directed productions all over the United States, including the current Off-Broadway production of Honestly Abe. I have performed a wide variety of leading roles in everything from opera and operetta, to musical comedy and straight drama. He has been a featured performer with such esteemed organizations as Music Theatre for Young People of Kansas City, The Kansas City Symphony, The Kansas City Lyric Opera, Indiana University Opera Ballet Theatre, the 13th Street Repertory, La Muse Venale Acting Troupe, and the Bloomington Playwrights Project. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The body is an important part of singing. My lessons often incorporate fun, sometimes silly but Always useful movement. I like to send students home with one challenge every week, and a larger challenge for every month. Success feels good for any student, and short term goals that tie in to long term goals are a good way to keep feeling inspired and developing a drive to succeed. Students are encouraged to bring in music they would actually ENJOY singing, in addition to music I assign based on various vocal challenges. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

As students all have different tastes and skill levels, it is important for me to really be perceptive to their specific needs and teach them only what I feel they will be able to digest but at the same time present a new challenge to them that can be fun. It is my priority to make the lessons relaxed and most importantly, enjoyable. Music is difficult, and takes a lot of work, but it can also be so gratifying and liberating at the same time, and that's what I want my students to understand. Read More

Instruments: Drums

 I've been a Drummer for 17 years and an Instructor for two.In 2012, I Graduated on the Dean's List from The Los Angeles Music Academy with a Degree In Performing Arts.Since i've been Home, I've performed with multiple bands(Mandarin,Dear Comrade)in long island, Brooklyn and NYC. It's been a blast and I love helping my students work toawards reaching a level of great performance. Read More

Instruments: Voice

In class I work on the development of the singing voice through body awarenessapplying the Feldenkrais Methodand voice techniques from the worlds of classical, jazz and contemporary music. Aural awareness is improved through ear exercises singing. Techniques for performance practice and dealing with performance anxiety are addressed. During the work process students work on individual song interpretation/presentation and on individual improvisation (if the student is interested). Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching students since my Sophomore year of high school. I began as a volunteer at Songcatchers in New Rochelle, where I taught students of varied ages and levels of experience. When I began college I took on students my own age, both beginners and advanced. One of my favorite parts of teaching is seeing a student become comfortable enough with the guitar to be able to express themselves. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

Depending on a student's level of experience I use either the Mel Bay Modern Method or the Berklee Modern Method for the development of reading skills. More importantly, I can draw upon a large library of transcriptions and instructional materials that I, myself, have developed over the last three decades, supplemented by recordings and videos. I make sure that a lot of the lesson is spent actually playing, and like to give the student many opportunities to play along with someone else-namely, me. Read More