Music Lessons in Spuyten Duyvil, NY

Instruments: Trumpet

In college, I started giving out lessons to Music Education friends who were learning trumpet for their brass profiency. I also gave some lessons to a friend who had no prior brass experience, and that experience was the main point in how I developed my beginner lessons. While rehearsing and practicing, I make sure to make exercises and the "maintenance" portion of trumpet interesting. Also, while in colle, for 3 years I worked as a Teacher's Assistant for a high school big band. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching style is based around health-promoting vocal exercises and exploration which serve to build the voice in all areas. Increased strength and flexibility in the voice work for us in any style and ultimately give us the freedom to express ourselves with greater ease. I strive for wellness in the voice and does not push people to sing in ways that create pain or stress. I am patient in working through any particular issues such as intonation, ear training, releasing tension, and breathing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone French Horn Keyboard

Berklee City Music combines the breadth of Berklee resources, facilities, and available scholarships with an environment of attention and encouragement. Kids get the tools and support they need to flourish as students, musicians, and—perhaps most important—confident and well-rounded individuals ready to shape their world.   Harborlight/Stoneridge Montessori School, (2010-2013) Taught group lessons to students in 5th and 6th grade.    Beverly Public Schools, (2010-2013) K-12 Substitute General Music Teacher, and Para Professional.  Instructed classroom music lessons weekly to children K-12 based on lesson plans.  Teaching music theory, music history, and organized musical activities for students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Djembe

I think the most important part of teaching is developing a positive mentoring relationship to the student. My favorite teachers always went above and beyond to not only educate me on their favorite subject, but also to show me life lessons along the way and listen to my problems. Ultimately I know that not every one of my students will become a professional musician, and that is okay! I do want them to develop a positive relationship with rhythm and music, and an ability to enjoy these things in anything they listen to. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For younger students/beginners, I am a huge advocate of the Rubank Elementary Method for Saxophone, since it covers a lot of the basic materials such as note values, scales, and arpeggios. For students who have progressed past this stage, I introduce "The Art of Saxophone Playing" by Larry Teal which introduces some more advanced rhythmic and articulation concepts. For saxophone students of all levels I strongly recommend Sigurd Rascher's "Top Tones for Saxophone" because it develops a students understanding of how to develop a strong sound and knowledge of the overtone series. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

When I think of music, I always think of the quote: "Where words fail, music speaks," by Hans Christian Anderson.  When I am teaching, nothing means more to me than seeing one of my students who was shy and not confident with themselves grow into a confident and enthusiastic person, both with music and in their life. I believe it's important to make sure this happens by recognizing and acknowledging that every student progresses at their own pace, has different needs, and has a different personality. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My teaching experience dates back to high school. I used teach friends and local kids in the neighborhood. I recently moved to Brooklyn and now have a home studio here where I can give comfortable private lessons on a full acoustic drum set. Encouraging regular practice and a consistent teaching schedule is an ideal point that I like to emphasize for younger students, as it helps gain progress and passion for the drums. Read More