Piano Lessons in Bellingham, MA

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I like to discover each students reason for taking music lessons.Then,develop a plan that will help them achieve their goals.With younger students I feel it is best to stick to the method book's plan.With older and adult students you can be more flexible. In jazz,pop,rock and blues playing I try and help them develop a good "feel";whether playing chords or soloing.I also like to focus on improvisation,using chord scales and simple riffs to develop the student's own style.I like students to bring examples of what they are listening to so we can analyze the material together and discover what gives the music it's unique character. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My methods are highly individualized as i get a feel for the student's musical personality. I find it is important to provide structure and a framework for learning, and for piano we begin with one the standard piano lesson series - whichever seems to appeal to age and preference. Some younger students respond well to a rewards system, while others are naturally self-motivated. Technical exercises are valuable, both to gain appreciation for practice routines, and for strength and dexterity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music

Fundamentals come from slow practice, and unfortunately, there is no true fun way of doing it. However, I pair technical work with listening assignments, so that the students actually see the point of fundamental training. Hanon is the one book that has stayed with me for two decades and I adhere to its various training regimens very closely. The book itself may be insufficient, but the auxiliary exercises I designed will improve the practice efficiency. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I am a passionate and motivated voice and piano instructor who loves working and meeting new students! I began singing in the 4th grade in the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! It was my very first time ever being on stage, and ever getting to sing a solo. The thrill of sharing my love for music is something I will share and hold with me forever. I will be graduating in 5 days with my BMUS focus in Jazz Vocal Performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students I use a combination of Piano Adventures curriculum and Suzuki piano method. I like using Piano Adventures because it is a seamless and easy way to learn how to sightread. Suzuki is used to enhance performance skills and learn traditional repertoire. I supplement with other sheet music on the side and teach scales and technical work additionally. For beginning voice students the majority of initial lessons are spent on technique and students are encouraged to apply it in whatever repertoire they enjoy with occasional assigned peices. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More