Piano Lessons in Derby, CT

Instruments: Piano

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. I have studied classical piano for 10+ years with the Field Studio, Myra K Garvette, and the Westport School of Music, as well as at Fairfield University. I also have chamber music ensemble experience, having gone to CAM Camp and working with piano trio and quartet ensembles under Millette Alexander. I also have accompanying experience for church and school choirs, and have been on the worship team at my local church. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Finding what makes a student glow, sing, or dance is the key to my teaching. Nothing beats the joy of being able to perform a beloved piece in a relaxed way, knowing that you can make the hearts of your audience surge with excitement, to become serene, to soar inside. Music is magic and healing. That's why the story of Orpheus continues to inspire us. When I practice, the voices of my own teachers resonate inside me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Double Bass Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Adult students can opt to go to the next book in the series (Book II and III of the 'modern' piano course). For String students I am comfortable in the 'Essential Elements' series, 'String Builder' series and 'All for Strings' methods as an excellent base with which to start. For Guitar Students I am a fan of 'Alfred's Basic Guitar Method' Books 1-3. For Bass guitar students I prefer 'Mel Bay's Bass Guitar Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've been teaching on and off over the past 10+ years. My first experience teaching in a professional setting was at the Royal Academy of Music in Shrewsbury Massachusetts while taking some time off from college. There I taught up to 30 students in any given week. It's also where I branched out and began teaching beginner to intermediate bass guitar, piano, and drums. Since returning to New York I have taught a number of private students throughout the Hudson Valley. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students I use graded methods such as Schultz Piano Course or Alfred Basic Piano to enable students to play a song from the very first lesson.  These graded methods introduce basic note reading, the layout of the piano keys, and proper posture and hand positioning, allowing students to progress gradually and systematically to more advanced music.  Interests and skill levels of older beginners and intermediate students are assessed individually, and a plan of study is tailored for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing kills enthusiasm in the long run like rote teaching. With a complete beginner, especially a young child, an abstraction like music can be overwhelming if not presented in a structured manner. For that reason, I generally speak at length with the parents and explain that the preparation work takes several lessons. I begin by introducing young students to the keyboard and familiarize them with both black and white keys quickly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar

Working with novice piano students, I usually employ traditional method materials like Bastien or Thompson if the student is a child, and Alfred for adults. Though it is rare, and usually at the insistence of a parent, I can also use these methods with beginning guitar students. For advanced students, whose aim is to broaden an already substantial aquaintance with theoretical and compositonal studies, I use the "Guitar Grimoire" series by Adam Kadman. Read More