Music Lessons in Spencer Estates, NY

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching voice lessons at New Windsor Music Academy in March of this year. While I teach different ages, I like to use the same technique for all. Each singer has different elements with their voice, yet can be trained with the same technique at the start. Once they are used to the new technique, I can help them with parts of their voice that are not as developed as other parts. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and "I Can Read Music" to get acquainted with the basic techniques of the instrument and note reading. It is always more fun to play with others, so I typically start playing duets with students as early as possible. For older and more advanced students, I begin with scales and etudes suited towards their needs, followed by a solo or concerto piece for cello, and then end the lesson with a duet or time to work on orchestral music, improvising, or any fun piece that the students request. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

The books I recommend purchasing for piano students is much more dependent on their goals and level of playing. Older drum students can expect to study concepts such as The Rudimental Ritual by Alan Dawson. Older piano students can expect to study chart reading found in The Real Book. I have ideas regarding lesson plans for students but my most important goal is to understand what the student WANTS to study and help them achieve their short term and long term goals in music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I've been lucky enough to start teaching about three years ago under the mentor of my current voice teacher Kate Pazakis (she was taught by Liz Caplan) and I stick to her methodology pretty closely because I find that it is most relatable to the broadest group of students. I started teaching 3 years ago and the outcomes have been wonderously overwhelming! Seeing students grow and finally start to see themselves improve is a wonderful thing! Read More

Instruments: Piano

There is no single definitive teaching method series. I try to tailor the method to the individual. For the beginning student, my personal favorite series is the Diller-Quaile because it offers a gradual and steady progression from basic to more complex. Also, the material presented is far more interesting than in most other collections. For a more advanced student, I generally assess their capabilities and very often introduce them to the Bach two and three part Inventions. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I am a patient person and always try to impel the student's passion and desire to learn more, not to overpress them in order to overwhelm them, but to encourage them to give their best not only in the class but also in their daily practice. instrument. I have taught many classes to both adults and children and it is important with the latter to create a fun learning environment so that they do not get bored in the process and feel that they are being burdened, but rather create the positive expectation for each class. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Brent started playing on pots and pans as a child and then moved to the drum set at the age of 8 with instruction from his two older brothers. He joined the school band and performed drum solos for entertainment at school events. Soon it became evident that being a drummer was his calling. Brent received his degree from Berklee College Of Music as a scholarship student and performed with many musicians in the Boston area. Read More