Piano Lessons in Hardwick, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Cello Bass Guitar

Depending on the level of the student and what they are looking to achieve through the lessons I would use a few different methods. I like to use guitar books if at all possible for beginners because its a great place to start. The fundamentals are where you have to start to build a scaffolding and practice books are great for doing this. I also like to use songs and tunes as a way of teaching different concepts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I began teaching private lessons in 2005, and I have a variety of teaching experiences. I have since substitute taught every kind of subject, and I've taught general music K-5.  I have mentored conservatory level students when I was in grad school, I taught flute to non-flute music education majors, and I've taught undergraduate students that were pre-music.  I taught 3-8 year olds music at Laurel Hill Summer Camp in East Setauket, Long Island. I've also taught workshops on South American Folk Music with Alturs Duo, as well as flute masterclasses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone

My teaching style is fairly laid-back, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. This allows me the freedom to tailor the instruction to the specific needs of the student and successfully find what creates their individual passion. I also believe that - especially in creative mediums like music and art - every negative critique I point out needs to be accompanied by at least two positive critiques. This positive reinforcement will help push students to progress rather than pushing them down, and all I want is to see the people I teach grow as both budding musicians and people. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Harmonica Music Keyboard

There are a variety of suitable musical aides to use in teaching. Many different publishers and authors of study books are available and I am familiar with more than several of them. Age and maturity/attention span of the student will help to determine which books to select. Often a generally creative adolescent will prefer picture books of music to begin with. Adults can be engaged in fundamentals of music theory with piano playing in mind and receive more conversational instruction as appropriate with adult music to practice and play. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My students love the Faber Faber "Adventures in Music". These method books, in my opinion, have some of the most innovative and motivating pieces. This method gives the student a solid foundation in theory focusing on scales, and used in concert with other materials bring the student to a very proficient level. I also use supplementary materials such as Dozen A Day, Hanon, and Czerny. Martha Mier books for young children, especially her "Imagine" books are unique and inspiring. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

As a junior in high school I was given the oppportunity to provide inexpensive lessons to elementary students in the same town/program. It was just as much of a learning experience for us, the mentors, as it was for the students. A year later, I established, organized, and taught my own improvisation course in the form of a jazz combo of my peers that was counted as an independent study. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Viola

My goal is to make the student as independent of the teacher as possible. For this I help them form a foundation on which they can build for years to come. I teach reading music as well as playing by ear (a wonderful skill rarely taught on the piano). I teach my piano students music theory in the context of playing by ear, so they get an experiential idea of how music is made, including improvisation. Read More