Piano Lessons in New Preston Marble Dale, CT

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trombone

A principle that I have lived by in the 45 plus years that I have taught, is that I am teaching the STUDENT as an individual with a particular personality, learning style, level of patience, tolerance for making mistakes and openness to trying new things. I do not teach MUSIC; I use it as the vehicle for learning. When a teacher really understands the nature of the student and shows his/her commitment to making every lesson a successful and happy experience for him/her, then the process of learning to play an instrument becomes a mutual and fulfilling experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe that you never stop learning. Even when you are teaching. Thus I am not the teacher to show up without my own equipment and sit quietly while on plays what I gave them the week before. Everything will be done together. Iron sharpens iron. Goals will be realistic but challenging. Each session will include a review of everything else that's been worked on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning students, I use Faber Methods. Once the student has progressed, I would introduce solo repertoire that supports the skills necessary for improvement. Usually, I ask students if they are DYING to learn a piece, and with that selection, I'll look for techniques that can be improved upon. For adults, I try to ask what they are interested in learning, and help gauge the technique into their learning. Because adults learn differently from children, it is key to help integrate a different method of learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

I have written several books for the upright and electric bass player that cover all aspects of learning to play the bass. Depending on goals, for most upright players I would recommend a solid grounding in Simandl for learning the hand positions and fingerboard. I also recommend transcribing as well as sight reading and some jazz harmony. All these things are incorporated into my lessons. For electric and upright players I recommend learning tunes, musicianship, technical studies, and maintaining a professional attitude on the gig. Read More

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

Every student is different, so the first thing I like to do is get to know them as a musician, where they are on their instrument, and what they wish to accomplish in lessons. I want to keep the student comfortable with what they are working on and at the same time find ways to go beyond the comfort zone. I like to incorporate music fundamentals with all of my students, including notation, scales, chords, and rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My goal is to foster and encourage a lifelong love of music and a passion for communication. To me, that means training studentsin the styles of music that each individual feels the most connected to, and then extending their knowledge and awareness to styles that they may not have as much experience with. I believe that an in depth study of music is, in essence, the study of communication. Training people to be thoughtful communicators gives them confidence, individuality, and an invaluable set of skills that can be applied to any future interest or career path. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a compassionate, steady teacher. I believe in positive reinforcement paired with goals that students can be proud of meeting. I have high standards for my students in order that they progress, but at the same time I am understanding and kind in my style. Every lesson I give has clear instruction and at the end I outline a clear expectation for the next lesson. For example, what music needs to be practiced and what specific skills need to be focused on that week. Read More