Piano Lessons in Central Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Orchestral Percussion

I focus on nurturing a students natural curiosity, while helping them find the tools to pursue their own musical interests. Many of my younger students prefer to use technology to connect with music (learning how songs are recorded, and the theory behind songwriting), but I also work with more serious students to prepare for college auditions, state/regional jazz band, etc. My methods differ depending on a student's own goals, but they generally all will start with a technical exercise, an exercise designed to get the student thinking critically, and an application of the concepts we're learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

I began teaching while in college and have now been teaching for 11 years.  My students have ranged in age from 3-60.  Since getting my Suzuki Flute certification in 2008,  I have found the Suzuki method a great way to start young beginners.  In addition to giving private lessons, I taught group flute classes for 3 years with the Harmony Program  My students are encouraged to participate in ensembles, competitions and recitals as having such goals is a great motivation for practice and musical growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I think it's important to be kind but firm. It helps to create clear expectations that allow for a student to be most successful. With private lessons, it is important to tailor the sessions for each student individually. Some students require to a "push" while others might want a more relaxed lesson. Together with students we can set goals and a progress map. It is also important to always encourage students in their learning, regardless of what their pace is. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

I always want to help my students understand the basics of music and universal principles that can apply to any music they are interested in learning. Whether it's jazz, pop, classical, blues, most styles of music share these principles in common and are best played when the musician can understand the underlying structures. Rather than having students memorize one piece that they'll forget as soon as they move onto the next, I want my students to have the skills to play any music they like any time by helping them develop their ear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Everyone has a talent for and comfort level with communication. Music is simply another form of the same though universal and like all art forms, so much more can be expressed with so much less. From an early age we become comfortable with verbal and physical expression. Music is no different; we just don't learn to speak the language as a matter of course. It is a discipline that can be defined, understood and put into practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer

The way I teach is the way I was taught, using methods that were in place when I was a kid, some of these techniques date back to the 1800's. I believe in teaching scales, and also the Carl Czerny exercises and etudes, pieces that are designed to get beginners up to the advanced level. I incorporate elementary theory into the scales by including chord cadence patterns and inversions so as to make the technical transition from method books to playing actual classical pieces and songs as smoothly and as quickly as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with simple chords and teach them a few fun songs. If the student is interested in learning how to read music, I will use Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance if they are interested in performing live. For adults, I like to find out what they are most interested in, whether it is a specific genre, (jazz/classical) or if they are more interested in learning songs (classic rock/pop/etc.) or songwriting. Read More