Piano Lessons in North Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Recorder

You can learn so much about a student in a 30 minute trial lesson! If a new student is not a total beginner, I will ask them to play their favorite song (or one of their favorites if they have trouble choosing just one). After their performance, I ask them what they liked about how they played. Its important for students to always be aware of what they do well. If they arent able to see their strengths on their own then I share with them what I think their strengths are and encourage them to keep that up. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I am a 20 year musician with 11 years teaching experience. Born and raised in New York City, I attended Laguardia high school for music and art and afterward Queens College majoring in music. My main instruments are Clarinet, Drums, and Saxophone, but i also have a strong background in Piano, Trumpet, and Flute. I've taken private music lessons for the past 15 years with world class musicians, among them David Weber and Howard Hirsch. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

For Beginner students I have them start with the recorder. The instrument allows for a smooth segue to the flute being that the student can see their fingers and the recorder does not require the same air speed and lung capacity that the flute does so the student can pace themselves. For intermediate or advanced students I will go through orchestral excerpts, etudes, or technical studies with them. I follow the same model with my adult students, if they are just starting out I will recommend beginning on recorder to solidify fingerings however the mental and physical capacity of an adult versus a young child are very different. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is all about making the musical journey uniquely tailored for each student, ensuring it's not just educational but a celebration of their individuality. From the get-go, the lessons are centered around the student's personal goals, creating an environment filled with laughter and joy. We delve into the fundamentals, starting with mastering breath control, perfecting posture, and unlocking the full emotional potential of their voice. Clear pronunciation becomes an intuitive part of the learning process, seamlessly blending into their vocal repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music Keyboard

My favorite piano method book for children is the Bastien Piano Basics Series. Alternately, I sometimes use the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures. For very young children (3-6) "My First Piano Adventure," a Faber publication, is my book of choice. For adults, I usually use Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, though sometimes I skip method books and play pieces picked by the student. When teaching drums/percussion, my method books of choice are Standard of Excellence and Winning Rhythms. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style focuses on what most interests the student and draws them to the particular instrument. We explore different song styles and different exercises that speak to each individual student. I also believe in regularly providing constructive criticism and encouragement for each student's accomplishments. The more you inspire your student, the more driven they become. I encourage students to pick their favorites styles and songs to work on and we then take it from there and provide inspiration and a bit of fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For students that are complete beginners, I like to start away from the instrument to instill some confidence in reading music and a basic understanding of harmony. Flash cards and memory games have proven to be extremely effective for me, and I've seen a huge change in confidence around a violin when the student isn't overwhelmed with trying to grasp many difficult concepts at once. Hal Leonard's books are a favorite of mine, as well as Harvey Whistler's "Introducing the --" series. Read More