Music Lessons in Washington Heights, NY

Instruments: Flute Piccolo Music Keyboard

For absolute beginners, I start by explaining different parts of the flute. I first work on the headjoint to make sure the student can produce a good sound with good air without assembling all parts together. After a student gets a good sound, I let them assemble the flute and start teaching one note at a time. I usually start with Essential Elements for Flute Level 1. If a student is more advanced, I use Rubank Intermediate/Advanced Books, and start learning more pieces. 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: Saxophone Music

Through these outlets I was afforded the opportunity to perform at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space. In those years I had traveled throughout the country as well as overseas performing and studying music. After graduating I attended Five Towns College and finished me BFA at CUNY Brooklyn College Music Conservatory. Learning from amazing instructors such as Saleem Washington and Arturo O'Farrill, playing alongside the ALJO and teaching a few students the side fostered my love and passion for creating and teaching music. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I began teaching at the Erie Playhouse Summer Youtheatre Camp on my summers home from college. The students were ages 5-16 and we taught them basic music theory, as well as numerous musical theater and jazz standards throughout the week. We focused on proper vocal technique and placement as well as theory. In New York City, I taught babies and toddlers for a company called MoonSoup. The children were ages 3 months - 6 years and we learned simple songs and melodies. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar Recorder Double Bass Keyboard

My primary goal with all of my students is to help them make great music that is true to themselves. I also try to stick with a sound-before-symbol approach to learning music. What this means for my teaching is a focus on training both the ears and technique. I always prefer a more personalized approach to teaching, working with students to find repertoire that speaks to them and improves their musicality and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to provide a good balance between working on theory, technique, and repertoire, and working on aspects that might be more fun like a students favorite song. This allows the student to make progress while also keeping motivated, which is really important for long term goals. For children, the balance has to lean more towards the more entertaining aspect, because of the reduced attention span. I actively work towards getting the younger students to increase their tolerance towards difficult challenges so that they can make more overall progress. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music Keyboard

I encourage practice, whether it's one hour a day, 5 minutes a day or somewhere in between, but I understand that contemporary students (especially in New York City) have many obligations in terms of academic and extracurricular activities. It is in knowing this, my first goal is to make the lesson fun and relaxed and never a chore or a source of pressure or anxiety for students or parents. The lesson should be a fun and safe place to learn about and to play music! Read More