Piano Lessons in Danbury, CT

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
TAKE IT SLOW! This is one of the biggest challenges with practicing. No one wants to play scales slowly, or take their favorite tune at a snails pace to make sure they get the fingerings right. We want the end result - a perfect, polished performance - of course we do! But, that doesn't come without the work. If you're working on a piece, break it down into chunks. Take it bit by bit, and take your time. There's no rush, it's not a race! Set small, incremental goals that are realistically attainable, and before you know it, you'll be at the level you wanted to be.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
I studied voice in a childrens' choir, and later their semi-professional adult branch, under the direction of Paul Halley, a Grammy Award-winning artist. That experience led me to tour nationally and internationally, as well as performing with other notable musicians, and instilled a real excitement about what a life in music is life, and how much joy performing can bring me. Under his instruction, I learned much about what I know of music theory, as well as musical expression, in an emotional sense.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
There are many pieces that I'd love to take the time to learn - In a classical sense, I really enjoy variations on themes. I think it's awe-inspiring to see how a very simple theme can build and change and become something totally different than what it was, while still remaining the same. I feel like variations on themes encompass, in a sense, what music is all about, which may be why I like them so much! My favorite piece that I have performed was a solo version of George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody In Blue'. The late 1800s to early 1900s is one of my favorite moments in musical history. In the works of many classical composers of this era, you can really hear that Jazz is right around the corner. The chords and melodic phrasings that came from this time are some of the most expressive that I've encountered. And it kept right on going with Gershwin - he took Jazz and put a tuxedo on it, and brought it to the symphony halls. 'Rhapsody In Blue' is, in my opinion, one of the most masterfully composed pieces of music in the last 200 years.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My family is full of musicians! I initially learned piano from my father, who I would credit as my main and most influential instructor on the instrument. I started studying at the age of four, and transitioned to more repertoire-study around 11 or 12. He has a degree in Music Education, and has also been a church organist his whole life. Now retired from his day job, he plays in numerous bands consistently year-round. I have two older brothers, each of whom are musical as well. My oldest brother is a member of the Army National Guard Band, and my second brother has a degree in Music, and is a professional gigging musician and instructor as well.

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