Music Lessons in South Farmingdale Plainedge, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

I taught piano and recorder for over 10 years at Church Street School for Music and Art in Tribeca, and have worked as a teaching artist with The New York POPS since 1992. Currently Im coaching a jazz ensemble at an NYC public middle school and am working with kids that might not have the resources to study privately. Over the summer, I worked at a summer program with some special needs kids where I created and implemented a music appreciation program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with the method book that the child is given by the school Music teacher, making certain that they are at least adequately prepared to play their assigned studies (or pages) for their school Music lesson. I also incorporate playing the Duets provided in that volume, along with the students. I then suggest that they purchase other necessary methods, duets and solos at their local Music Store(s), as they progress, and they will therefore require more advanced Musical materials than that used at their school. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Drums Mallet Percussion

It's important to set realistic goals, I will assign short things to work on per week. I can tailor my instruction to the needs of any student by listening to their wants and needs. Everyone progresses at their own pace, so remaining patient and being able to work together to become successful is key! I find that sometimes it is best to find out from the student what makes them most excited about playing the instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I always tailor the method to the student and never the student to the method. If you want to play Joel we will work on that, If you want to play Chopin we will work on that and if you want to improvise we will work on that. I an a sucker for music theory and can talk about it for weeks (which is what I do at MSM). I am also a bottom line practical guy - whatever is your goal on the keys, If I can get you there - I will. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is conversational. We created a project or topic. I'll tell you my experiences & listen to your questions. I will customize exercises or solutions to any issue you may have. I teach the student how to get a natural feel that includes tone, time, & finesse. The goal is to get the student sounding like they have been playing longer than they have actually been. Applying these abilities to songs the students are interested in is the next step. 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

Instruments: Guitar Voice

As a singer/songwriter, I have released several albums, teaming up with producer James Sabella (Marcy Playground, Nine Days), vocalist Angela Workman (Stevie Wonder) and percussionist Steve Holly (Paul McCartney).Additionally, I have successfully funded and organized several US tours garnering support from national press and college radio stations. Additionally, I have organized and performed at various fundraising events, raising money for children affected by life threatening illnesses as well as communities affected by natural disasters Read More