Music Lessons in Sturbridge, MA

Instruments: Piano

My students love the Faber Faber "Adventures in Music". These method books, in my opinion, have some of the most innovative and motivating pieces. This method gives the student a solid foundation in theory focusing on scales, and used in concert with other materials bring the student to a very proficient level. I also use supplementary materials such as Dozen A Day, Hanon, and Czerny. Martha Mier books for young children, especially her "Imagine" books are unique and inspiring. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I began teaching private piano lessons while pursuing my Bachelor of Music at the University of New Hampshire, via the university-sponsored "Piano Extension Program". This program allowed undergraduate students with sufficient skills in piano performance to gain experience teaching a small number of students on a weekly basis. Students benefited from monthly group sessions, which were set up like master classes and designed to give everyone a chance to show off their newly acquired skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I began teaching private lessons in 2005, and I have a variety of teaching experiences. I have since substitute taught every kind of subject, and I've taught general music K-5.  I have mentored conservatory level students when I was in grad school, I taught flute to non-flute music education majors, and I've taught undergraduate students that were pre-music.  I taught 3-8 year olds music at Laurel Hill Summer Camp in East Setauket, Long Island. I've also taught workshops on South American Folk Music with Alturs Duo, as well as flute masterclasses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums French Horn Piccolo Oboe Bassoon English Horn Keyboard

My methods used for piano students are the Randall and Nancy Faber teaching books; they are among the very best teaching materials due to their ease of comprehension, their logical sequence of concepts taught, and also their practical exercises and songs for the student. My methods used for Band instruments (trumpet, clarinet, flute, drums, and trombone), are the Standard of Excellence books, as they are also among the very best in regards to explaining musical concepts, presenting new songs, and logical progression. Read More

Instruments: Flute

As mentioned previously, I will encourage students to have a practice journal that tracks many aspects of progress. This, combined with gauging each student's skill level and needs, is the basis of my teaching style. I never use negative incentives with my students, as I believe that does more harm than good. I am always patient with my students and take the time to explain anything until my students understand. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

During the financial crisis in 2008/2009 I lost a lot of students. I decided to try something else. I went back to school and earned a second Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. I even ended up getting a job as a software engineer at IBM, but I soon realized that it is not the right thing for me. I missed playing the guitar and interacting with aspiring guitar players. So, I left that field for good and have put my full attention to teaching music since then. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Fiddle Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always start with what the student is interested in. I find that learning music comes much more naturally when the student is inspired and entertained by what they are trying to learn. I come from a long tradition of learning music by ear. I believe this is the best way to develop true musicality. While I very much see the value in sheet music, I believe that reading music without being about to play it by ear is like being about to write and write but not speak and understand English. Read More