Music Lessons in Water Mill, NY

Instruments: Violin Viola Piano Voice

Growing up with both Suzuki books and Hal Leonard Essential Elements books, those are what I prefer to use. Essential Elements, especially for string players, offers an incredible foundation for beginners. One thing I really love about those books is the use of scales from the start. As a college musician, you quickly learn the importance of scales. I place a high priority on scale practice as it is the foundation of all we play. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I am an extremely passionate artist and looking to pass along the love I have for music onto willing students. I graduated from the University of Delaware in 2015 with two degrees, a Bachlor of Music in Music Education and a BM in Music Composition. I am currently attending the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, CT, where I am pursuing a Masters in Music Composition. I am a very active young composer and have had my music performed at many places along the east coast. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

Depending on the students interest and needs I will typically introduce my beginner students with some scales and etudes from Simandl's 30 etudes book. As well Simandl Book one is a wonderful book to introduce the positions on the bass and has many helpful exercises inside. I'm a believer in the Simandl method and the etudes in particular are a wonderful way to learn the one and outs of especially orchestral bass playing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I keep track each week in a notebook of what their assignments are. I use many different books, learning by ear, learning by youtube, learning by rout, and I have developed my own music writing technique which decodes any song at any level to a much easier level because all students are unique, and deserve to have a teacher who can reach them. It is also very important to me that the student picks their own songs to learn as part of the curriculum, and I will help the student discover which style fits them the best. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin

Depending on a student's level of experience I use either the Mel Bay Modern Method or the Berklee Modern Method for the development of reading skills. More importantly, I can draw upon a large library of transcriptions and instructional materials that I, myself, have developed over the last three decades, supplemented by recordings and videos. I make sure that a lot of the lesson is spent actually playing, and like to give the student many opportunities to play along with someone else-namely, me. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I participated in several music salons, lectures and performances, as well as presenting myself as a judge for different piano competitions. In May 2017, I received my dual degree in Master of Piano Performance and advance certificate of Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. At the same time, I was engaged in different music Performances within and around New York City, including a collaboration project with the Carnegie educational team as well as a collaborated six-sided keyboard performance with the famous music producer/ composer, Mark Mothersbaugh, at the Skirball center. Read More

Instruments: Voice

A typical lesson begins with breathing exercises and a comprehensive vocal warmup. This is usually where we focus on the "mechanics" of singing to make sure the voice stays healthy. Next, we will typically do some ear-training and harmony work, followed by songs! I try to help students develop a diverse repertoire of music that fits their goals. Most students have 3 songs that they are working on at a time: 1) a challenge song: something that's a bit difficult and has significant room for growth, 2) a fun song: a current favorite that the student picks for herself/himself, and 3) a teacher's choice song: one that I choose for the student. Read More