Piano Lessons in North Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Organ Accordion Keyboard

My basic teaching philosophy is "If a student can't learn the way I teach I will teach the way they learn". It's a personalized approach. For children I typically start with John Thompson's Teaching Little Fingers To Play as a basic piano lesson book. When the student starts progressing to the point where they can play fairly well I try to explore others books and songs that may interest them and keep them motivated. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Rather than academic performance, I want my students to love playing and feel personal satisfaction in the skills they have gained. Learning piano is a long-time investment so I try to encourage patience and perseverance. We set goals each week that help to motivate and keep track of the students progress. With younger students, the parents support is vital. Every week I make sure to keep them informed of what the student is working on so they can offer support and encouragement at home. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

My ultimate goal is to help students develop a love for playing and being around music. The last thing I want is a discouraged student or one that has become bored with music. Therefore, I will set realistic goals for my students so that they are not overwhelmed, but at the same time are constantly engaged and challenged by the material. I like to teach both by ear and by reading music, which accommodates different learning styles a student may have. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is flexible depending on your needs. If you need a more strict style (perhaps you are working on college audition), then I'll make sure you have the proper technique, repetoire, sight reading, and skills needed to succeed. If piano is more of a hobby than a career path, we can work with that as well! Everyone has a different style depending on their needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

I believe in acquiring a global understanding through a multiplicity of styles. Jazz and classical are my points of departure and then I incorporate different material as you develop your skills. I have several method books that I use including "Mastering Piano Technique", "Manual of Scales and Arpeggios", "The Jazz Theory Book" and "Harmony and Theory" by Keith Wyatt to name a few. For vocalists, I develop your sound to a point where we can do a full basic assessment of skills that we can build off of so we have a clear direction of where we are going. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

A pianist from my earliest memories and a piano teacher since 8th grade, I have loved, studied, and taught music for most of my life. I completed a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at Washburn University under the teaching of James Rivers, then completed two Master of Arts Degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary. I deeply enjoy both performing and teaching music of all styles, from Bach to Broadway and all the sacred, jazz, and movie music I can fit in-between. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Double Bass Oboe English Horn Music

I always create my own custom lesson plans for my students that are tailored to each student's individual development, needs, and musical taste. A really important starting point for all of students is knowing what kind of music they love. I like to help my students develop a list of "goals", pieces, songs, styles, etc that they want to play and work up to, and I use this to create our lesson plans. Read More