Piano Lessons in Ocean Beach, NY

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Teaching piano is a great joy. My goal is to help students develop the skill to make playing music fun and satisfying, whether their goal is to become a professional or to simply enjoy playing for its own sake. I've worked for several arts agencies (Arts Horizons, Healing Arts Initiative, CREATE) so I've had the privilege to teach music in a variety of settings. While teaching in a classroom setting is immensely satisfying, seeing individual students grow in proficiency, dexterity. concentration, is an even bigger thrill. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teach classical piano and am a conservatory trained pianist and teacher with strong academic background and understanding of classical music history, theory and social and cultural significance. This background informs my approach to piano, teaching and musical material I use in my lessons. When teaching children I usually start with books that combine performance with play and visual arts. This helps the younger students remain focused and delighted with the experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer

Artur Schnabel once said that it is wrong to have a method that students have to bound to, but that different techniques are required with every student. I learn this valuable lesson from experience and realized that every student is really a world of his own and finds interest in different things. For example, if the student likes math, then it is possible to incorporate the mathematical concepts found in Theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Ukulele

More than a decade ago I began giving music lessons in both private and group formats. It was an unexpected "diversion," but a very natural fit! It brings me great joy to see a student enjoying the guitar, advancing on the instrument, and entering into that "fellowship of guitarists," which means everything from jamming with their friends, to being able to learn any song they want, to understanding a meme about the G string always going out of tune. 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 Recorder Oboe Music Keyboard

I began teaching while I was in college to young band students who had never before picked up an instrument, whether it was the keyboard or the oboe. This required teaching not only the technique of the instrument but also foundational musicianship. I also worked consistently with other college-aged students while they completed their piano skills courses, as well as the younger oboists in their technique courses and reed making classes. Read More