Piano Lessons in Merrick, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I am a dedicated teacher who loves to see students develop their passion for music and realize their goals. My combination of experience both as a private piano instructor and as a university professor makes me unique. I love to offer my academic knowledge to teach students not only how to play the classical piano repertoire, but also how to use music theory and history in performance, composition, and even improvisation! Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching privately during school and have 5+ years of experience. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My mother influenced my life as a musician. In 1969 she encouraged me to audition for the Newark Boys Chorus. I auditioned. I was accepted and sang in choir-school for three years, singing music from Renaissance to R&B. In 1980 I received a BM and MMT from Oberlin Conservatory. At Oberlin I met three great teachers who encouraged me to sing professionally. I pursued the career! Performance highlights are: The Metropolitan Opera, The Met Museum, The Wigmore Hall and The NY Philharmonic. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a master of improvisation, author of the theory of harmony of music, composer, concert musician, I believe that learning to play an instrument by just memorizing musical pieces is not learning how to play an instrument. All the outstanding composers of the past - Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff - were also brilliant improvisers. They could delight the audience for hours, instantly giving birth to musical ideas on the instrument that came spontaneously. Read More

Instruments: Piano

In accordance with the Russian school of piano teaching, I start the student off with the foundational skills of correct hand position and proper touch. It is very important for the student to absorb these concepts early on in order to avoid potential bad habits as his/her study progresses. I follow by introducing the student to the essential skill of reading music. I then have him/her play from the Russian School of Piano Playing book, a collection of beautiful simple pieces. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Saxophone Bassoon

I don't typically use a method series for Voice, as I use a series of vocal exercises I have memorized over the years from my own vocal teacher for technical voice training and warm-up. It's important to note that for beginner piano students I will use a method, but for more advanced-beginners and intermediate players I focus on chord theory and rhythmic playing, as I am a self taught pianist and do not teach classical piano. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students develop their own style in music and art. This progress happens at his or her own pace. Therefore, it is important that I set realistic goals per student. This leads to a positive teaching and learning environment. I truly believe that art, in this case music, is connected with life and therefore life is connected with art; What I am trying to say is that no matter what the level of the student is, when you teach and learn the right way, it goes way beyond music itself. Read More