Piano Lessons in Kingston, MA

Instruments: Piano Music

For beginners I typically start with the Bastien or Faber Method and as their level increases I always assign pieces outside of the piano method which are generally performed at their first recital. Adults are also welcome to participate and I have them work on at least 2 contrasting pieces based on skills they may need to work on as well as something they love and enjoy learning. I do give basics importance (scales, arpeggios, etc) as I believe this greatly improves a student's understanding and helps them reach a much higher level in the repertoire they are working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Accordion Music Keyboard

I like to spend a little bit of time assessing what level a student is at so I can appropriately guide them to where they need and want to be. Early on I stress the importance of self evaluation and critical thinking, as it is priceless to be able to teach oneself using these analytical skills. Learning music is like building a pyramid that will never have a peak, blocks are added again and again and always built on the progress of the past but there is never a point where a student has "completed" music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Recorder Keyboard Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Watching my students eyes light up as they reach that "eureka! I understand!" moment is so rewarding, both to me as the instructor and to the student. Every child reaches different milestones at a different time so with that being said I never pressure the child to learn faster than he/she is capable of. I teach to what the child knows and I will help the child explore and grow in their developmental love for music and their instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

Of course, every student is different, and an integral part of my philosophy involves getting to know each student so that I may learn their creative preferences, strengths, and weaknessness. I do not shy away from books, I do indeed enjoy working out of the Hal Leonard collection because I appreciate the step by step structure. This may apply less to guitar, however, if the student's primary ambitions are to learn songs by Green Day or The Beatles, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I take the time to get to know the student and which methods would best benefit and keep the spark ignited. For standard piano lessons, Bastien and Faber methods are always a hit with both children and adults. For Saxophone lessons I use the "Standard of Excellence" book that most school bands use. I have also written a lesson book of my own that I use pages from. If the student would prefer presenting their favorite records/songs and learning the styles and sounds that they hear, we can go down that road! Read More

Instruments: Piano French Horn

I graduated from Central Conservatory of Music of China with a Bachelor of Music Degree in French Horn Performance. I got my master's from The Boston Conservatory of Music in French Horn Performance. I also got a Graduate Performance Diploma in French Horn at The Boston Conservatory. I've had hundreds of performances as a guest musician with China NCPA (National Center for the Performing Arts) Orchestra and played six concerts in America, including Chicago Symphony Center, Stern Auditorium Carnegie Hall, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Davies Symphony Hall, and HillAuditorium, University of Michigan. Read More