Piano Lessons in Briarwood, NY

Instruments: Piano

My mantra is to practice for success, not to do a certain number of hours or drills; this is something I learned after practicing technical drills for several hours a day. I remain partial to the Liszt technical exercises. I also continue to use certain exercises I find useful and not too time-consuming. The Art of Practicing contains much valuable advice for the pianist struggling to translate the passion of music into performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice French Horn Music Keyboard

My teaching style is a something I consider to be a hybrid: I combine the academic knowledge I have gained since I started my first piano lesson at four years old, along with the real life experience I obtained as a full-time traveling musician. I take this unique style of teaching and apply it in a very engaging and stimulating learning environment. I like to use the Kodak Method of Education when approaching the teaching of younger students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

However, in specific moments I am willing to push a student out of their comfort zone to get them to learn something new. Piano: I am not a stereotypical piano teacher! I am very nice, but will also tell you what you need to hear. Especially with beginner, or younger students I think it is important to increase enthusiasm for the instrument while giving students the tools they need to continue pursuing higher levels of technique and understanding. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

All I want is to know that my students are enjoying music more deeply, and that they gain the self-sufficiency to learn between lessons. I make sure to point out milestones that a student has achieved to encourage that innate human drive for improvement, and always keep looking for what is exciting and inspiring for the student at a given time. I make sure each student I work with knows what elements to include in their practice, how to learn a piece of music from scratch, and how to break things down into manageable, learnable chunks. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Mallet Percussion Keyboard

I strongly value theory and technical groundwork, but I also believe in guiding students toward the genres and compositions where they will find their own passion for music. With a solid foundation and an inner drive to keep playing, even beginner musicians can reach goals that may have previously seemed insurmountable. For beginners, we will start with the fundamentals and focus on pieces that they can master and enjoy as we work towards more complex repertoire and playing styles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Accordion Keyboard

I try to be as flexible as possible, many things would depend on the student's age and background. I pay a lot of attention to movement when playing the instrument, I try to do this from the lesson one with an absolute beginner. I consider knowing music theory to be important but secondary, so I try to familiarise my students (especially children) with the instrument from the very beginning keeping the amount of theoretical information minimal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

I am a strong advocate in fusing together practice and performance. I personally have had teachers that focused too much on technical studies and theory, and not enough time on incorporating those skills into performance; which is the main reason why many people have a desire to learn a musical instrument. In my lessons, I focus on developing skills that are essential to my student's overall musical development. These skills include music theory, ear training, rhythmic analysis, technique, and finally, applying all those skills into a performing setting. Read More