Music Lessons in Suffield, CT

Instruments: Trumpet Euphonium

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with musicians of all backgrounds and levels. In 2019 I graduated from UMass Amherst with a BM in Jazz studies and a BS in environmental science. Studying with Eric Berlin (principal trumpet of the Albany Symphony Orchestra) and Jeff Holmes (grammy winning piano and trumpet player) informed my knowledge of trumpet technique and music theory. Throughout my time as a performer, I have had the privilege to play with great musicians like Sput Searight of Snarky Puppy, Doobie Powell, Jake Sherman, Avery Wilson of the Voice, and child prodigy Aron Hodek, among many others. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

When I teach, I like to make sure my students feel welcome and encouraged. I will always praise them when they make improvements, no matter how small, but I will still make sure they know what it is they have to work on without reprimanding them. I try to keep my students inspired by asking them what they want to work on. For example, with a high school student, we worked on a duet that she composed for two flutes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard

There are a variety of suitable musical aides to use in teaching. Many different publishers and authors of study books are available and I am familiar with more than several of them. Age and maturity/attention span of the student will help to determine which books to select. Often a generally creative adolescent will prefer picture books of music to begin with. Adults can be engaged in fundamentals of music theory with piano playing in mind and receive more conversational instruction as appropriate with adult music to practice and play. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have been teaching and performing professionally since 1998, and I can't think of anything else more enjoyable than sharing the joy of music through teaching and live music entertainement. My students learn how to play their favorite songs while learning how to read music, understand tab, grasp some theory, learn chord structure and play some scales for technique building, ear training and improvisation. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Conga

I have been teaching since 1977. I have studied with the late, great Tony Williams and Alan Dawson, Fred Buda, Ed Soph and composition with Steve Grover. I have taught private lessons, small group ensembles, elemntary music theory, orchestral percussion and voice coaching. I have taught in public schools, private prep schools and college. I have performed in the United States and Germany and the Netherlands. I have recorded with Tiger Akoshi, David Mallett and The Novel Jazz Septet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I tend to emphasize basics and fundamentals, as most teachers do. Developing facility, dexterity, and muscle memory is very important. I use simple exercises at first. In turn with various other exercises, confidence will gradually develop. Learning to play chords (rhythm guitar), and transitions between them is vital, to almost every style of guitar. Rhythm and awareness of the tempo and meter (beat) is also important, especially if the student will play music with others. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Viola Banjo Ukulele

 Stephen is a graduate of Columbia University. A composer of more than fifty pieces, his music has been performed by both chamber groups and orchestras in the US and abroad. The most notable performers of his compositions include the Gregg Smith Singers, Stitching Combinatie van Utrechtse Muziekbelangen, New Calliope Singers, Group for Contemporary Music, and the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble. Stephen continues to work as a freelance guitarist and conductor, performing in various national venues with the Gregg Smith Singers, the Group for Contemporary Music, the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, and the Composers Ensemble. Read More