Music Lessons in Upton, NY

Instruments: Trumpet

My first objective when meeting any new student is to figure out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and what their overall goal in music is; whether it’s learning a new piece, playing jazz, playing for fun, getting first chair or making it into an ensemble. Being a classically trained trumpet player, I have come across nearly every issue and technical exercise imaginable. For all my students, I want to make sure that they are playing the trumpet correctly physically and not forming any bad habits. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I also want to stress the variation of the type of music a student plays... learning different compositions in many styles, be it baroque, romantic, folk, or even just rock songs, helps a student to have more fun learning and also become more musically rounded and intuitive. I also always encourage my students to listen to the pieces they are playing! This gives them a better understanding of the piece as a whole. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Ialwaystellmystudentsthattheycanacheiveanythingtheywantanditisjustamatterofsettinggoals.EveryonedevelopsattheirownpaceandIalwaystrytoidentitywhatisholdingastudentbackfromreachingx22thenextlevel.x22Ialwaysemphasisthepostiveaspectsofastudent'splayingandtrytobuildonwhattheyhavealreadyacheived.Thegoaloftheteacheristoinspirethestudentandalsotailormyinstructiononwhatastudentneedsandwantstoachievewiththeirmusic. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I was a Music Teacher in the New Haven Public School system for 10 years, and then moved on to become the Music Coordinator at the Highville Charter School for eight years. In addition I had the pleasure of being a vocal/coach at the Amity Music Academy in Woodbridge, CT in I moved on to the New Haven Academy of the Performing Arts teaching vocals/piano lessons, and she was also the Music Director of the Musical Theater Intensives. Read More

Instruments: Drums

I am self-taught so my method is my own. The result is the same, you become a drummer! I employ what I know and the process that I went through to achieve the playing level I am at currently. First and foremost, I want the student to have fun! Drumming is a great way to relieve stress and feel a sense of accomplishment as well. Depending on what a student wants to do, how far they want to take it, I cater my plan to those criteria. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always find out what the student likes and use that material as a format for developing good playing techniques and understanding, For beginners it's important to get it right from the start so playing and enjoyment can develop naturally. By immediately choosing songs they love the inspiration and motivation to practice will grow along with there playing. For intermediate students we balance repertoire and practice of the essentials such as scales, arpeggios, chord scales, triads 7th chords , melodies and progressions. Read More