Piano Lessons in Pleasantville, NY

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Harmonica

I start with theory and technique for beginning trainees, combined with songs that utilize the modes and scales that the trainee will be learning, thus combining the academic with the practical. More specifically, I feel that learning scales and modes are of vital importance to any musician (no matter the skill level), as such a thing is necessary not only for improvisation (which is very important as my background is in jazz), but also for writing music, which I feel that every musician should do in addition to playing other people's music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard

For beginners, I normally start with simple melodies and exercises. Scales and tunes can be added at a certain point. From early on, I also focus on ear training - the essential part of music learning - so a student gradually learns to hear what he/she plays. Sight reading music is also incorporated in the process from early stages. As for adults, I discuss the particular person's interests and goals as well as assess his/her ability level in order to shape the learning process with maximum efficiency. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

I took classical piano lessons from the age of four to fourteen. After a brief break, I started playing keyboards in rock bands around Tokyo. In college, I became interested in jazz and composition. After graduating from Waseda University with a degree in social science, I started performing jazz around Tokyo. T-toc Records released my first album in 2011 and this was followed by a tour around Japan promoting the recording. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My experience as a voice teacher dates back to 1995. I was invited to teach several Masterclasses over the course of twenty years. The invitations came from institutions such as: The Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, The Guildhall School of Music (London), The Cleveland Institute of Music, The Royal College of Music (London) and The Royal Conservatory of The Hague. I began teaching private lessons in my home studio in 2008 and in September of that year I was invited to join the music faculty at Oundle School, UK. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Keyboard

For beginning students, I typically start with the method book that the child is given by the school Music teacher, making certain that they are at least adequately prepared to play their assigned studies (or pages) for their school Music lesson. I also incorporate playing the Duets provided in that volume, along with the students. I then suggest that they purchase other necessary methods, duets and solos at their local Music Store(s), as they progress, and they will therefore require more advanced Musical materials than that used at their school. Read More

Instruments: Piano Bass Guitar Double Bass

Ive been a professional musician for the last 20 yrs and have appeared in Jazz festivals in Europe, Australia and the United States. Since relocating to New York I have been the principle bassist on Broadway NYC and held several jazz residencies at clubs and hotels in and around the NYC area. Some of the music I've played here and abroad as an upright bassist includes straight ahead jazz, bebop, vocal workshops, jazz big band as well as salsa and afro cuban music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I always like to follow my students curiosities and guide them to learning foundational techniques through material they are passionate about. Cookie-cutter books and songs are not one-size-fits-all and I truly believe in an individualized lesson plan for all my students. I incorporate theory, historical knowledge, ear training, and music reading into my lessons at all ages and levels. I additionally have extensive experience in childcare and early childhood education so I am knowledgable on keeping young learners engaged and excited in lessons! Read More