Piano Lessons in Mount Vernon, NY

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 Guitar Voice Drums Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 8 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 5 years. 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 Organ

I always have taught with patience and kindness and have found that every explanation and solution must be keyed to the needs of each individual student. Through my many years of teaching I have found many ways of explaining each point. It is very important to me that each student play with a musical understanding that they have arrived at thru their own understanding. I have my students play usually in two recitals a year whenever possible-December and June. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

My teaching style is to move comfortably and systematically: I introduce a concept, the student attempts it, I offer corrections if needed and lots of affirmation. I also make adjustments according to the student's learning style. It's important to me to convey how and why things work--*why* are we playing these chords, *what colors* do these particular notes add, etc.--so that the student can eventually go on to play their favorite songs with greater appreciation, and if they are interested in songwriting, eventually write their own songs more effectively. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Ukulele Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to approach each student as an individual. Every student has their own level of enthusiasm, patience, willingness, and availability. Learning music should always be fun and rewarding first and foremost. I believe in building a good teacher/student relationship and pushing my students beyond what they believe their limits are. Learning music is a never ending process. I want my students to be able to learn and grow outside of the lesson room. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lessons are structured: 1. Check the homework. 2. Work on mistakes and problems, then proceed to the new segment, if possible. 3. Detail and start practicing a new segment. Questions from the student and clarifications of them. 4. Write down the homework together with the student, focusing on goals, time and amount of practicing. Ask the student to repeat the homework out-loud. 5. Practical theory at the piano, practical exercises for fingers and technical skills from the day one. 6. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I see teaching that each student will be different and learn at different rates. Having work with all levels of students, I understand that and recognize that I want to tailor my lessons to the students needs so they can be most successful. This could mean that a learner could be more visual or more auditory etc. I would want to set realistic expectations for the students and keep motivating them to do the best they can. Read More