Piano Lessons in North Reading, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students I prefer to use either Alfred's, Mel Bay, or Hal Leonard method books. I generally stay away from method books that use guitar tablature because I find that student will prefer to read the tablature instead of standard musical notation. Tablature is a good way to easily show how guitar parts are played, but is not useful when teaching standard notation, music theory, harmony, etc. In addition to using a method book, I will also teach the student popular songs, which is a great way to start teaching chords and song structure in addition to keeping the lesson fun and the student engaged. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Organ Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

The aforementioned points tend to help the student progress and gain a passion for whatever they're studying in music. I've also found that a curriculum that is full of listening homework from all over the world and all throughout history to go a long way in helping students learn things they might not have even known they liked or loved. My students are encouraged to enter the world free of fear, be it performing and or writing music. 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 Music

I can make an original curriculum tailored towards your individual goals. For beginner students who are children, I teach solfege for learning Absolute Pitch, which is connected to playing Western music. Achieving aural skills by singing, and getting sight-reading ability is one of the most important skills in learning to play piano easily. For adult beginners, I also recommend mastering sight-reading, which is how to read pitch, rhythm and length. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Ukulele

For young beginners of piano, I start with Edna Mae Burnam's Step By Step Book 1, as it begins right away with basic reading of notes and music. From there, I progress into the Faber Piano Adventures Series. Adults will start with the Alfred Adult Piano Course. Voice students are welcome to choose one song each cycle, while I choose two. It's important to me that they get to express themselves and what they like, while also learning new pieces for their repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

It is very important to me that regardless of instrument, the student learns healthy and sustainable techniques that will last a lifetime. I also foster independent student thought in lessons; it is a real joy to me when students not only progress musically, but as an artist as well. If they can understand music on their own without constant instruction or correction; I know I have done my job. A student that can self-diagnose their faults in music is on their way to being a musician themselves! Read More