Music Lessons in Spencer Estates, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I began to teach music when I was in college, giving private drum lessons to several students. Since graduating, I have spent time teaching at several different after school music programs, teaching drum set and piano to students of all ages. I found that I really enjoy communicating with students and helping them find their own passion for music. To me, music is about having fun - this is what I strive to bring out in our lessons! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My goal as an instructor is to help my student's achieve their goals, help them be the best they can be, and encourage my students to have fun while doing so! I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance from New England Conservatory. I was a finalist in the 2nd Annual Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition and Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival Voice Competition in 2017. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Viola Ukulele

I typically start violinists with the Suzuki method books and I start my piano and guitar students with the Alfred and Essential Elements books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp on fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first performance. However, if a student isn't learning effectively from the book they were originally given, I either change the method book or compose my own exercises that I think the student would benefit from. Read More

Instruments: Piano

If needed, I tell them what I expect for the next lesson to give them specific goals to achieve. To keep students engaged, I ask questions; such as how they think they could improve, how they would want to express a phrase, or how does the music make them feel. I encourage my students to incorporate their ideas into their playing, and if they do not have their own ideas, I work toward pushing them in a direction of independent thinking. Read More

Instruments: Violin

For very young beginning students, I usually start with Shirley Givens' Adventures in Violinland. After some time, I like to switch to the Suzuki books to encourage training their ears. Each student is very different, and I cater and switch method books based on each student's individual need. For all ages, I encourage them to listen to violinists they enjoy on YouTube, and choose pieces they want to learn. Even if what they choose is a challenge, I believe they will be more inspired to work hard to learn the piece if they chose it. Read More

Instruments: Drums Conga Djembe

I'm a versatile drummer/percussionist who loves teaching and sharing knowledge about music and arts in general. Graduated from Berklee College of Music with a full scholarship I've been performing and recording around the U.S for the last 4 years. Performances has always been my principal interest but currently I'm deeply involved with teaching because I have been developing a new way of learning instruments based on a more conscious state of mind involving meditation, all this thanks to my studies in Qi-Gong (Chinese Art of Movement) Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium

Teaching is a joy.  The music is a gift and it is a blessing to share it with others.  I enjoy seeing students learn and pick up music right in front of my eyes.  Teaching is a learning experience for myself as well.  I enjoy working with others and use my skills/experience to inspire others. I push students hard but also give rewards and bring a feeling of fun into lessons since music is supposed to be enjoyable. Read More