Piano Lessons in Ocean Beach, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing is that the student should be having fun, because music is fun! There is work involved, but at the end of the day, music should bring a smile to your face and if you are not having fun with music, then I am not doing my job. It is extremely important to me that the student grows, not only in technical ability, but in their love and enjoyment of music as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

My preferred method of teaching for beginner students is my own adaptation of the Thompson method with strong emphasis on theory and technique. A study of intervalic relationships, chords and progressions combined with terminology, sight reading, ear training and form will provide the student with skills which will allow them to play any style and genre of music they desire. Although the Suzuki method seems to be popular today, I have discovered many short comings of this pedagogical approach and often renders a good pianist limited in their capabilities as a well rounded musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I graduated with my Bacholers in Music and Pyschology with a focus on opera voice in 2009. In my performance program I really grew as a vocalist and learned how to overcome my own obstacles and improve my vocal technique for myself. I feel confident now in sharing my experience and my education with my students so they are able to really grow and improve as well. I started professionally and privately studying vocal technique when I was 17 and prior to that I was performing musical theater in school and in community performance groups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele Music Acoustic Guitar

Then from there I see what the student actually needs to do first according to where he is at. On learning guitar, what is focused on depends on what each student may have struggles in playing, so we would focus on those things but also strengthen the strong points. Even for beginners some are strong in certain areas and weak in other areas. I use the time that we have together very wisely and ensure that I don't leave the lesson with you confused about anything at all ever! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Synthesizer Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

The first teaching concept I focus on is the capacity to produce great sounds with the least amount of effort. Therefore I spend some time in getting the student to play very relaxed to create a relationship with body and mind, I believe music is an extension of the body and so if the mind and body are relaxed then music will come out flawless. We will use students ideas of songs they are interested in learning as well as some of my own suggestions for repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

The most difficult skill for beginner flutists is sound production. For beginning students we will focus the first couple weeks primarily on making a sound and forming the correct embouchure, or lip position. We learn simple tunes by ear during this time and begin to associate them with musical notation. Once a good understanding of sound production is achieved we begin to broaden the range and learn new notes. Repertoire will depend on skill level and the amount of practice time that a student devotes to the flute. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The structure of each lesson is always tailored to the student, but typically involves working hands-on with material, charting progress week to week, and refining the way that the student applies his or her focus while practicing passages. I often like to emphasize the use of expressive dynamics, rhythmic coordination between the two hands, and melodic phrasing. Given the open-ended nature of the musical experience, I hope to impart valuable insights into these technical aspects of performance and practice while also providing general guidance in accordance with the student's personal vision. Read More