Piano Lessons in College Point, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

I started teaching music in college through my babysitting network. When the mothers and fathers of the children I cared for found out that I played piano and woodwinds, many of them asked if I would also give their kids private lessons. Having a knack with kids and with music, my music teaching practice quickly blossomed in that small town. I have found that while it's important to keep kids sharp in their ability to read music on the page, it is at least as important to engage their creativity off the page. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Drums Banjo Mandolin Fiddle Orchestral Percussion Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style involves tailoring my lessons to each student's specific needs with an emphasis on ear-training and proper instrument technique. I like to get going on music that moves the student as quickly as possible, so we will use music that is of high interest to the student to develop the ear, learn a bit of theory, and put in the work that will allow the student to really unlock their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Recorder Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I love seeing and hearing my students get something and play it well.  It is more rewarding than any amount of money.  I encourage my students to play and perform as much as possible even if it is just in their own home.  I keep the lessons well paces but I am not afraid to go off in a different direction if it suits the student.  Music should be inspiring and should leave the student always wanting to learn more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone

No two students are the same, and I try to take each student's strengths, goals and preferences into account when designing their custom curriculum. For brass, I devise custom exercises for the player in addition to using classic pedagogical texts such as the Arban's and Clarke books. For piano, I start students off with a combination of scale work and repertoire. All lessons with me will include learning a wide variety of repertoire as well as a fair bit of improvisation, as I believe it is an invaluable tool for developing ears, creativity and musical personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Cello Saxophone Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

During the first lesson, I have a short discussion with the student to see what their goals are. I also ask what about music interests them. I then ask them to perform anything of their choice to assess their ability level (if applicable). After that, I tell them what immediately needs to be addressed and how this will work with their longterm goal. Then, based on their progress, we set benchmark goals that are adjusted according to their pace. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Music Keyboard

For my beginner piano students, I like to use the Faber Piano Adventures books to help my students learn the basics of reading music. I then like to guide them towards a more wholistic approach to music focusing on learning harmony and melody through the use of lead sheets. This allows students to understand the structure of music so that they can learn music they like by ear and approach any style of music with an open mind and the skills to adapt. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As soon as I graduated high school, I began teaching with my old high school as an assistant. Over the course of time I began progressing in my playing which lead to more teaching positions in various styles and genres of music from Drumline to Jazz. Educating and passing along concepts is one of the most important roles as a musician. The goal is to give your students enough tools to surpass you as a mentor. Read More