Piano Lessons in Malverne, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I first started teaching in the summer of 2002 when a friend from church wanted his son to learn drums. His desire was for his son to play one day on the praise team. Thankfully he stuck with it and still plays for the church to this day. That moment made me realize I have a gift for teaching. Throughout college I continued to teach out of my studio and developed my skills even more when I moved back to Maryland in 2009. Read More

Instruments: Piano

If needed, I tell them what I expect for the next lesson to give them specific goals to achieve. To keep students engaged, I ask questions; such as how they think they could improve, how they would want to express a phrase, or how does the music make them feel. I encourage my students to incorporate their ideas into their playing, and if they do not have their own ideas, I work toward pushing them in a direction of independent thinking. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice

A lesson with me equals half of the allotted time being used to learn good technique (i.e., learning healthy vocal habits, singing vocalises, learning to read music, playing scales, etc.) and the other half of the time singing and playing repertoire. The repertoire includes both pieces chosen by Kathy (always approved by the student) which excite and inspire the students particular musical tastes while providing a new challenge in technique to be conquered, and also pieces brought in by the student; for example, if a student is working on music for a specific performance, etc., or if they just really like a piece and want to learn how to play or sing it, I am always ready and willing to lend a hand and an ear! Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Music Keyboard

Minimally, beginner students can expect to learn how to read notes, play basic exercises, and train their sense of pitch, while intermediate and advanced students will study more complex music theory, technical exercises, and improvisation. All students will also learn how to practice efficiently so as to maintain a consistent rate of growth along their musical journeys. Essential materials for all students include: a scale and arpeggio book, a binder to store new music, and a notebook to write assignments and any other important information learned in lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Harmonica Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Recorder Double Bass Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I learned some chords on Guitar from my hippy uncle. After a few weeks, I started teaching him, and he is 60 years old. Point is, he would listen to songs on the radio like songs from The Beatles and then teach me them. I would hear the chords and realize that he might be playing a similar chord, but not the exact chord. I would play the chord for him and then he would be impressed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Every lesson begins with vocal warm ups and breathing exercises, the importance of which can't be understated. Just as athletes wouldn't take the field without stretching, singers should never sing without giving their voice time to warm up. Warming up also serves as an excellent way for Jon to gauge student progress and make sure they are vocally healthy. After warm-ups, we move on to song study. Students and I work together to pick out the best songs for their particular voice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola

For beginning students, I typically start with the Suzuki Method while combining it with the Essential Elements Method. As the student learns the fundamentals I gradually add scales and exercises to further develop the student's technique. After further progress, I begin to introduce solo repertoire and add other pieces. I'm fairly flexible on what pieces the student may play in the lessons, as long as the rudiments and classic repertoire are covered. Read More