Music Lessons in Wading River, NY

Instruments: Flute Music

Always start with the basics to build upon a strong foundation. For beginners, I typically recommend the Rubank series (now part of the Hal Leonard Corporation), likely the Rubank Elementary Method, or E. Wagner Foundation to Flute Playing, depending upon what level they've already achieved. I teach both to the book and to the student's needs preferences; thus, we may progress on a page-by-page basis, covering approximately 1 book page per week with a weekly 45-minute lesson to review and then progress, or focus on areas the student needs to strengthen, such as practicing long-tones to improve tone strength and quality and using the book lessens only as a supplement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is very laid back and comforting for students to progress at their own pace. I will always remind students to not rush and encourage them to have confidence within themselves. The most important thing for a musician to have is CONFIDENCE!!!!!! It’s important to develop that at a young age because it will make performances easier as they get older. For older students I will help them develop the confidence because I believe it’s never to late. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

For novice students, I will most likely start with a method book such as one from the Essential Element's series. However, I will typically move students through the method book quickly and get right into performance repertoire that is appropriate for their age and level. Composing your own pieces and learning to improvise are extremely important in my method of teaching so I will also start teaching students how to write their own music as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

The first and most important thing that I like to do with the student is give them a general idea of how to basically read notation I then immediately get the student into basic coordination to be able to play basic beats so that they can eventually play to actual music the next important step that I like to accomplish with most students is to get them to actually be able to play some basic pills along with the rhythms so that I can prepare them to play music if their goal is to play in school band I immediately get them into the notation necessary to be able to audition for the school band 0 if they want to play in the dance band the goal is to get them to be able to play those rhythms to be able to perform in the dance band or the marching band if they want to participate in nysma I immediately get them into the exercises necessary to perform those types solos those are usually very challenging if they're in high school and want to go on to college to study music I also get them prepared for the necessary exercises and skills to be able to perform in the college setting as far as playing to music is concerned I love to work with a lot of pre-recorded tracks without drums many of the music minus one tracks are very effective to get a student ready to actually play in a band most students want to actually accomplish this goal the main thing that I like to emphasize is to have the student learn the things that they want to learn as far as styles is concerned for example if they really like Latin music all concentrate on that style if they really like rock music all concentrate on that etc etc etc. Read More

Instruments: Voice

My methods of teaching vary depending on how old my student is and their current level. For example, with a young beginner I will start off by teaching them the scale. (DO RE MI FA SOL LA TI DO) and showing them how each note correlates with a specific pitch. I will then sing the warm up with them a few times until they can do it on their own. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Mallet Percussion

My teaching experience dates back all the way to Middle School, when I started teaching my first saxophone student. I continued teaching in High School in the following subject areas: Physics, Geometry, Algebra (all math), and Chemistry. I started teaching swim lessons in early college too. Why does all of this matter? Well, I hope it shows that I am an experienced educator in more than just music! I believe that there are overlaps in every subject of teaching, and these experiences have enhanced my teaching of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for more than 25 years and I have instructed students of many different ages and ability levels. My experience with music is now at 30+ years. I have worked as a private music tutor and have played with many local bands/musicians during that time. I've also done studio work with original acts, but I prefer performing live.  When talking with young players or those who wish to become musicians my advice to them is to be patient, don't get discouraged and practice as much as possible! Read More