Piano Lessons in Islip Terrace, NY

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

In 1994 Oleg Rutkovsky immigrated to USA and settled in Fort Lee, NJ. He made his American debut recital in Memphis, TN in 1995. Since 1994 he performed with such orchestras as New Jersey Symphony, Albany Symphony, New York Virtuosi Chamber Symphony, New Philharmonic of New Jersey, Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, Bachanalia Chamber Ensemble and appeared in a few Broadway productions such "Ragtime" and "Music Man". In 1996, Oleg was invited to perform with the Houston Festival Orchestra as Concertmaster under the the button of Maxim Shostakovich, son of the the great Russian composer, Dmitry Shostakovich. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I am comfortable teaching with many piano methods. Some of my favorites include Alfred, Faber and A Dozen a Day Series. For more advanced students, I often recommend the Music for Millions Series or Bastien Piano Literature. For jazz, I often use Hal Leonard's "Your First Fake Book" and the "Joy of Jazz". All my students also get a strong foundation in scales and theory. I also stress learning all the notes on the grand staff and there are many good apps for this on tablets and smart phones. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I follow no particular method, although I try to inculcate a fluid technique. I have been greatly influenced by Gyorgy Sandor's ideas (author of On PIano Playing and a former teacher at the Juilliard School), but have evolved my own approach. I have found that a student's motivation and commitment are more important than the methods used. Consequently, I modify my "curriculum" to suit their individual personalities and talents. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have experience teaching in the context of both American and European curricula traditions. I have taught music theory (including counterpoint), composition, analysis, orchestration and piano in classroom settings at the university level and also in private, public, and college preparatory schools; I have also taught composition one-on-one. In the US at the college level my teaching career includes five years of experience as a teaching assistant in music theory including the subjects of solfège and aural skills, counterpoint; Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. In 2012 I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and I am a Certified Music Teacher K-12. In 2014 I received my Masters Degree in Jazz Performance. After graduating college I begin to travel around the world performing music as well as performing here in New York leading a Jazz quartet and playing with many other groups performing many different styles of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium

For beginner students, I will usually start with the basic fundamentals of playing the instrument. This would include tone production, articulation, flexibility, scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. Once the student has become more fluent in the technique of their instrument I will start to ask them what they want to work on and improve upon. One method I truly believe in is playing duets with the student. The best way to improve at anything is to practice with someone who has more experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For small children, I used kid-friendly method books provided by the music school I was working with at the time to keep them engaged and entertained. For older children and adults, I simply ask about their prior musical knowledge and the music that they enjoy so we could use that as inspiration. For beginning students, I recommend the Standard of Excellence or Essential Elements which are both great options for the basics of their instruments and both include fingering charts and fingerings for each new note they learn. Read More