Music Lessons in Upton, MA

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

In the beginning, I always focus on their hand position, sitting position, because that can cause a lot of problems if the hand position is wrong. When they learn how to read the music, I always do the flash card and stickers to encourage them. Once the students has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals,I will let them play the materials, lesson book for the knowledge, Performance book for the song and theory book for the written. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginning students I start with the Suzuki cello books, and teach books 1 to 5. I reinforce the Suzuki with pop/ non-classical songs, depending on the student's interest. After Suzuki 5, which is well into the intermediate level, I introduce individual works (small concerto's, sonatas, etc.) and cater them towards the student's ability and interest. For younger or beginner students, I reinforce the Suzuki books with sight-reading, and as they progress, I add in etude studies.  Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students at Chelsea High School, I developed my own guitar method books, level 1 and level 2, which use tablature for its very graphic and easy-to-understand method of learning notes on the guitar fretboard which have remained the texts for guitar classes at the High School since my departure. To supplement this I have the Hal Leonard Essential Elements for guitar, and a number of other texts, which offer other approaches, songs, and material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The method I use for teaching is directly related to what the student desire to learn and improve in. That being said, for children and beginners, I will focused mainly on the basics such as: proper posture, proper guitar technique, basic chords, basic rhythms, warm-ups ... Once all of that is covered, my method will vary depending on the student's goals and the style where are in. But no matter what we are covering, I always tailor personal handouts and videos for my student to study once the lesson is over. Read More

Instruments: Flute Recorder Music

For all of my students I like to approach the lesson through the lens of preparation, skills, solos, and fun. I believe it is very important to prepare the mind and the body for the lesson to get the maximum benefit. In all of my lessons I begin with appropriate warm-ups before moving on to skills and technique. I use a variety of method books depending on the goals and wishes of my students, and I tailor them to make sure they are learning all the skills they need to be able to play the solos and fun music that they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Mallet Percussion

I have been teaching private lessons for the past few years with students ranging from beginners to college age. I am constantly learning more from all my students. I have worked with larger groups in the Somerville Public Schools, Tufts Community Music Program and the Salem YMCA Summer Program. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When it comes time to begin working with a student, I always ask them what is their dream, their vision, and what is their reason for picking up a musical instrument. Their goal doesn't have to be rock stardom but they have to want to learn! I encourage setting up realistic goals, and giving them tasks and tools to pick up along the way. Based on my own experience as a touring musician with a career ahead of me, I feel like I have the tools to give my students the inside tips and knowledgable nuggets. Read More