Music Lessons in West Side, NY

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I’ve been playing guitar since my early teens and have my Bachelor’s in Classical Guitar Performance from the University at Buffalo. In that time I’ve built up a lot of experience; both performing and teaching. I’ve performed in many recitals both as a soloist and in ensemble, and have played in the masterclasses of many great guitarists such as the Castellani-Andriaccio Duo, Tom Torrisi, Thomas Viloteau, Xavier Jara, and Leo Brouwer. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students, I begin with asking them to show me what they already know, and to explain to me where they want to take their playing and what their goals for the future are. I then design a curriculum unique to each student's interests and needs to keep them engaged and having fun. For beginner students I like to emphasize fundamentals through playing simple and recognizable chords and riffs instead of only focusing on exercises, which can makes students bored and discourage them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Mel Bays. Once the student starts to understand the book. I will begin to teach solo appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what music they are interested in and have then tell me they're top song to learn, I try to get them to play something within the first hour. I want then to leave feeling like the you did something and that your money was well spent on my services. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I have a very fun and unique way of teaching children. This makes it very easy for them to catch on quick and not lose interest. For adults, I jump right into the essentials of learning. I go over scales, and timing. I introduce solo techniques and I always review to keep the student on top of their game. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba

Since returning to New York, I have begun to build my private studio. I focus on best practices in regards to improving the fundamentals of playing and building the strength need to be a successful musician. I always try to vary my instruction to fit the individual needs of each student. I will encourage all of my students to play as much as possible and to volunteer for festivals and extra-curricular performance opportunities. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Since 2005, I have been teaching saxophone and clarinet privately to students of all ages, with a high rate of retention in recent years. I have also been appointed as saxophone instructor at San Francisco State University where am instructing college-level saxophone players. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Keyboard

For beginners of any age, I begin by discussing goals, milestones, and how we will achieve them. I do use method books, but only recommend those that will be useful in and out of lessons. I keep lessons fun and engaging, and always demonstrate before expecting the student to do the same. Fundamentals as building blocks are always needed, but I never keep a learning plan the same from student to student- goals (that can always be changed) are what I use to guide a student to be confident for any performance. Read More