Piano Lessons in Northfield, CT

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

My teaching method is based primarily on helping my students develop the skills needed to understand the language of music so that then they can create performances that are compelling and fulfilling to both the audience and themselves. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, and prefer to tailor my methods to the needs and goals of the student. For beginning piano students I tend to gravitate towards Faber's Piano Adventures to help us work and develop the fundamental skills. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Keyboard

I began teaching as a private instructor while in my senior year at the Berklee College of Music. After graduation and a stint in the US army, I began teaching privately in students homes, and in my own studio. I taught composition, arranging, harmony, and piano at the Berklee College of Music for several years. I conducted a jazz seminar in Copenhagen, Denmark which included students from around the world. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

To me, the most rewarding thing to see is seeing your students develop the same passion you did when you were their age! As an educator, I believe that no two students are exactly alike -- each student has their own strengths and learn at different paces. It's important to use those strengths and foster them to achieve the best possible goal. By finding out what interests the student, I can cater to their individual needs, wants, and creativity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Music

I work with many free online resources - both for repertoire and for the teaching of music theory. I am also able to provide numerous options of method books for the student to pick from, for purchase. Finally, I am able to provide historical documents - particularly, keyboard treatises and methods - that famous composers used. In this way, I use my early music and music history interests practically in my teaching, grounding students soundly in well-established, historical, pedagogical traditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Synthesizer Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Double Bass

My teaching style really depends on the student taking the lessons. It's important to set realistic goals each week for students that way they can progress at his or her own pace. Recognizing accomplishments goes a long way to fuel a student's desire to progress and makes the student coming back to learn more. By finding out what inspires the student to play, I can tailor my methods to their own wants and needs. Read More

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

For piano students, I like to use Alfred's piano methods. I find that their methods for both kids and adults not only covers the basic fundamentals of music, but they are also able to make everything comprehensive and enjoyable. For guitar, I like to use Hal Leonard's basic guitar book for students focusing on popular music and basic guitar, and for classical guitar I like to use the Christopher Parkening Method. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Bastien. If the student is older, we should progress relatively quickly and move onto more advanced books such as Piano Adventures. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More