Music Lessons in Valhalla, NY

Instruments: Piano

I use a combination of established teaching methods, such as Alfred, Bastien, Hanon and Hal Leonard, as well as my own methods, which I've developed over the years. I also effectively utilize technology, such as Finale notation software to create special arrangements of songs for my students, YouTube videos for audio/visual support, and iPads. I have cultivated a warm demeanor and good sense of humor, which has helped my students remain engaged and in anticipation of the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

I am a Highly trained student of “ Belle Canto” singing. This is the study of classical voice focusing on beautiful tone and fluidity in all styles. I sang and still sing rock and jazz regularly. Using this study of voice applies so perfectly to all of these styles as well as most styles that we enjoy in the western world. The student is taught and is asked to practice on a regular basis, a series of bell canto based skill building vocal warm up exercises daily that I have available on all of the popular formats. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Cello Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

When teaching children, I typically start out with Suzuki cello repertoire. I am also very serious about teaching physical concepts so that the student is able to express themselves through the instrument I believe that there are certain technical principles that must be communicated and I do my absolute best to make sure that the student understands them. As students become more advanced I then introduce repertoire that suits them and that I believe they will enjoy. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching methods are individually tailored to the student's needs and abilities. For young students and/or for those with less voice experience, I like to combine the basics of singing along with musicianship skills to set the student up for success, incorporating lots of fun to keep the young students interested in practice and lessons. For more experienced students, I like to start with warmups and exercises that are designed to set the student up for success in repertoire, and then finish the lesson working through repertoire specifically working through challenging areas of each piece and finding an emotional connection to each piece once ideal technique is established. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

For my beginning students, I have them start with KJOS Standards Of Excellence. Once they have began to learn the techniques to properly play, I will begin them with repitoire that I find suitable for them to play and also what they would like to learn so this way the students are learning what they want, which makes the music learning process even more enjoyable! By making a individual lesson plan it allows my students to be able to advance at their own pace and also have the students learn their instruments even better. Read More

Instruments: Violin Electric Violin Fiddle

I typically start the students off with open strings and rhythms and we learn the left hand separately so that the start is not overwhelming. With an intermediate to more advanced students we progress to scales (Jhnke, Galamian, Flesh etc...), etudes and exercises (Shradieck, Kayser, Mazas, Kreutzer, Wieniawski, Paganini etc...), as well as performing pieces (this often includes Bach and Mozart in every student's repertoire). I very much encourage all of my students to record themselves a few times a week, perform as much as possible (even for the family pet), play competitions and play with others! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is different. I tailor my teaching style to fit the needs of and goals of each individual student musician. Beginning students, especially children, need more guidance and structure to the lessons to get started, but its still important to keep them interested , engaged and having fun, so Ill typically integrate lessons on basic technique with songs that children already know. For intermediate and advanced students I tend to take a more flexible approach, paying special attention to what the student wants to get out of the lessons. Read More