Music Lessons in Tonawanda, NY

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Djembe

Ive started teaching when I was in high school. Most of my students were colleagues who wanted to learn the drums and percussion. One of my key points of teaching is technique. technique will make or break you. It affects your longevity and the rest of your body as well. I Think this will be Great for students because growing up I had to learn every thing by myself. I never knew a teacher who had experience or even took music seriously when I was younger. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Fortunately, while attending graduate school I was given the opportunity to teach as an associate professor of voice at the Conservatory level. I worked with many different age groups as well as vocal styles. I encouraged my students to perform in a recital at the end of the semester to help them strive for their personal best. It was so wonderful to see how improved everyone was at the end of the year. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I usually start with the Rubank Elementary Method. Having established the fundamentals, I like to introduce the student to a series of etudes and more challenging repertoire as the student develops. For adult students, I like to find out what they are intersted in and work from there, but I still stress fundamentals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, I begin with asking them to show me what they already know, and to explain to me where they want to take their playing and what their goals for the future are. I then design a curriculum unique to each student's interests and needs to keep them engaged and having fun. For beginner students I like to emphasize fundamentals through playing simple and recognizable chords and riffs instead of only focusing on exercises, which can makes students bored and discourage them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Keyboard

For beginners of any age, I begin by discussing goals, milestones, and how we will achieve them. I do use method books, but only recommend those that will be useful in and out of lessons. I keep lessons fun and engaging, and always demonstrate before expecting the student to do the same. Fundamentals as building blocks are always needed, but I never keep a learning plan the same from student to student- goals (that can always be changed) are what I use to guide a student to be confident for any performance. Read More

Instruments: Drums

A lot of teachers that I have dealt with were very rude, and terrible at teaching. My approach is more so trying to build a stable foundation and give the necessary tools to become a great musician! I not only teach you how to play the drums and how to hold the sticks etc, but I also teach how to get gigs, how to get people to notice you, what it means to have your own rider, how to promote your own brand etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I currently use Essential Elements 2000, but I am flexible if you would prefer something different. I supplement the method book by providing the student with additional exercises that I have found to be helpful in both my education and experience. Read More