Music Lessons in Spencer Estates, NY

Instruments: Guitar

My approach depends completely upon the genre and goals of my students and their skill level. For beginners, I must always take a lesson to explain exactly what each part of the instrument is and how it works. For rock and pop students, the very first thing I will teach them are open chords and the pentatonic scale, and maybe even a simple song depending upon the student. For classical, I like to start out with simple sight reading exercises and move on to material that applies the principles I teach. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Tuba

For beginning students, I like to start them on the Hal Leonard Essential Elements. I believe it moves at the proper pacing for young children. For intermediate students, Accent on Achievement works well because I find the music is more challenging. Also I require older students to know scales, primarily Bb, Eb, and F major being that they are the easiest to learn. It is from there that I gradually add a new scale (one every few weeks) until ultimately all 12 major scales are learned. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Conga Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Having graduated college only less than a year ago, my field teaching experience is minimal, but I did teach/tutor occasionally during my formal education. At Carnegie Hall I worked in part as a bandleader and arranger for my youth ensemble and acquired basic arrangement and collaboration skills. At Berklee I worked briefly as a music theory tutor and helped fellow students more cohesively grasp basic principals of harmony. As a guitar teacher, I try to incorporate the elements that I love most about playing and not only cover basics but also unlock a love for the instrument in my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

My ultimate goal is to help each student of mine have a musical connection that they can take anywhere with them in life. It reminds me of a wonderful quote I hears a couple of years ago "everyone should have a little bit of music in their life: and that has been something that's stuck with me through my teaching every week. I love seeing my students light up over learning their favorite songs and getting little aha moments that change how they see music as a whole. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I began teaching while in college and have now been teaching for 11 years.  My students have ranged in age from 3-60.  Since getting my Suzuki Flute certification in 2008,  I have found the Suzuki method a great way to start young beginners.  In addition to giving private lessons, I taught group flute classes for 3 years with the Harmony Program  My students are encouraged to participate in ensembles, competitions and recitals as having such goals is a great motivation for practice and musical growth. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I'm very much a lover of music, rhythm, and sound. I enjoy sharing that love of music with my students and helping them achieve whatever goal they may have. I try to always remind the student that there is validity to all that we do, and to not be afraid of experimenting and improvising. I want my students to always think as improvisers and composers from the very start of our studies. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Music is a therapeutic tool and I like to emphasize this aspect when teaching as well. Are you interested in learning classical technique but also love other styles of music? Are you interested in learning violin to enhance or add music into your life? I am open to anything, just let me know your goals and I would love to work with you to achieve them. I approach each students' situation uniquely and love customizing lessons to your personal goals. Read More