Piano Lessons in Douglaston, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been teaching since finishing High School in 2007. I have worked in piano group lessons and private lessons as well. Currently (not including Musika), I have fifteen private students I see weekly and have been with these students for almost seven years. I have worked with students preparing for NYSSMA, students preparing for College Music audtions, or just teaching piano as a hobby. All of my students would describe our lessons as fun. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I personally engage in these activities to relate to my students and to be able to explain how we need to engage the body in singing. I also encourage my students to have coachings with other professionals to gain more insight into their repertoire. Not every student who comes to my studio wants to sing opera. Many students want to sing in choir, in church, or just for fun. Overall, I always come from a place of acceptance and non judgement. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Immediately I'd like to know why the student is pursuing the given instrument, then sort of gauge a level of passion, drive, talent, etc. and then work from there. With guitar and piano there are several routes one could choose for performance, and each one has different teaching fundamentals. Someone who gravitates more toward Jazz will need a very strong base in musical theory, where as someone who wants to play classical might need stronger technical work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My first student was a NYC firefighter that I met in October 2001 right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was looking for a way to distract himself from the experience that he had gone through. Working with him and seeing how simply playing a note on the saxophone changed his vibe and relaxed him, I realized that music truly heals. Since then, my approach has been to get to know my student well and discover how I can help them enjoy the learning process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

Having taught many students over the years, my favorite books for young beginners are the Rubank series and Pares Scale book. These give a good foundation and progression and have easy to read fingering charts. Once a student gets going with these I introduce simple duet books so that, by playing with me, they develop a strong sense of tone and intonation. The first solo books I recommend are collections of solo's by famous composers, these give the student the chance to gravitate toward the style and composer they like best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Not all students are created the same! I do my best to adjust my teaching style and lesson for each student. Especially for novice students, I adjust the pace in order for the student to ease into the instrument. Especially with piano, I advocate warming up and practicing effectively. In my opinion, it is best to work smarter and be efficient with practice time. It is important to me to not only have good technique and a fundamental knowledge of music theory, but to understand the who, what, where, when, how, and why in the music. Read More