Piano Lessons in Berlin, CT

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching method is based primarily on helping my students develop the skills needed to understand the language of music so that then they can create performances that are compelling and fulfilling to both the audience and themselves. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and prefer to tailor my methods to the needs and goals of the student. For beginning piano students I tend to gravitate towards Faber's Piano Adventures to help us work and develop the fundamental skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I work with many free online resources - both for repertoire and for the teaching of music theory. I am also able to provide numerous options of method books for the student to pick from, for purchase. Finally, I am able to provide historical documents - particularly, keyboard treatises and methods - that famous composers used. In this way, I use my early music and music history interests practically in my teaching, grounding students soundly in well-established, historical, pedagogical traditions. Read More

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

My teaching style is grounded in my own absolute love for music! This passion translates through in my teaching, which hopefully results in successful student learning. I also believe that the teacher needs to develop a rapport with the student, in order for successful learning. Furthermore, as previously stated, I've studied pedagogy at the undergraduate level. I realize what it takes to be a successful teacher, and believe in the importance of exposing young people, as well as folks of all ages, to music and the arts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've actually written and produced my own music theory book that was in all Borders stores before they closed down. I've learned a few methods and I try to incorporate them all unless the student or parents wants something specific. My method is a method where I can teach 1 thing countless ways. I love my students to learn theory because it is a very important backbone to music. Some people can play instruments without ever really kwoing what they are playing or understand the theory behind it, and I think it holds them back from truely being creative and understanding of music.    With my methods students will be able to play from any genre, any book, and hopefully will be able to create their own music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Accordion Keyboard

For teens and adults that are just starting I love using Alfred's All In One Piano Course. This book covers piano lesson materials, music theory and technique (exercises). Adults tend to progress pretty quickly and when they do I will give them supplementary music based on what they most love to play. Many adults have had lessons as a child and return to the piano to study with me. And in that case I'll give them a quick refresher course and move them into what they really want to play as quickly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

I first started teaching back while I was in high school, taking on several students over the summer as they prepared for the upcoming school year. In my lessons back then, I strove to foster a passion for music and the arts in my students by playing through fun music, learning some music theory, and encouraging them to perform in front of their peers. I like to emphasize the power of consistent and efficient practice, regardless of the student's age. Read More