Piano Lessons in Amagansett, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder Piccolo Oboe Keyboard

This is a very tricky topic, because every student learns differently on every ability level therefore, I like to use a combination of various tools. The Essential Elements works great for younger beginners, where the Rubank books are more suited for older or very disciplined students. I like to supplement this with music they might be working on in a school ensemble, or if they have a favorite song they would like to learn, as well as with scale studies and long tones. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

My preferred method of teaching for beginner students is my own adaptation of the Thompson method with strong emphasis on theory and technique. A study of intervalic relationships, chords and progressions combined with terminology, sight reading, ear training and form will provide the student with skills which will allow them to play any style and genre of music they desire. Although the Suzuki method seems to be popular today, I have discovered many short comings of this pedagogical approach and often renders a good pianist limited in their capabilities as a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo

I have been teaching music since I attended high school and have continued to do so for the past 6 years. Improvisation and expression are key points I like to emphasize in all my students, as anyone can sit down and practice scales until their fingers fall off, but being able to express yourself through a musical instrument takes dedicated work and direction. My students are made to create as much as they are made to perform, as understanding how music works and the theory behind it is achievable regardless of level or age. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

For beginning students just starting out method books like "Hal Leonard's Essential Elements" is very popular and useful or other similar method books that public schools use. In addition to working from the popular school method books and any band music I will assign different things for my students to work on to keep our lessons fun and engaging. Each student will receive instruction from me that will inspire them to practice and want to learn more and get better. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

Depending upon what area/instrument of music I'm teaching, I use a number of different materials, including (but not limited to) Tonal Harmony (Kostka, et al.), Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Accent on Achievement, Hal Leonard's Essential Elements, or Rock House Method (McCarthy). The skill level of the student also dictates what resources I'll use. In addition, I believe that the student should have control over his/her development as a musician, so I encourage my students to create a list of songs they wish to learn how to play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Ultimately students must really enjoy what they are doing to be successful in the long term. I try to discern the student's strengths and build on those. A sense of accomplishment and progress needs to be maintained with mostly positive feedback and encouragement to strive to be better. The students interests must be taken into consideration, whatever they may be while pushing to broaden their interests and understand the common elements in all kinds of music. Read More