Piano Lessons in Queensbridge, NY

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

I tend to edit my teaching style based on how successfully my students meet their goals. I honestly love teaching young and beginning students because they're an absolute blank slate, something I do not take lightly. Having fun and establishing a strong practice routine is paramount with younger students. I emphasize listening to records/music with all students but especially with more intermediate to advanced students. If I have a student that wants to become a more competent jazz player I'll try to recommend some famous records with tunes that are commonly played. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I teach all of my students to read music starting with middle "C" on the grand staff. Knowing the keyboard/piano is a great place to start for all musicians because it shows where notes are and what they sound like in relation to each other. Lessons should progress based on a students willingness to follow directions and to practice the material that I assign them to practice. There are no shortcuts. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Synthesizer Ukulele Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar

I started teaching guitar as a teenager  - my fomer piano teacher referred me to a neighbor who was inquring about where to find a guitar teacher. I felt honored that my piano teacher recommended me! Before I knew it, I was teaching quite a few kids in my old neighborhood of Bath Beach, Brooklyn. I have taught music ever since! My background in counseling helps me to meet students where they are at. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For children I use the "Teaching Little Fingers to Play" series by John Thompson. I do this because because the top of each page has a diagram of how the notes on the staves as well as the diacritical marks are played on the piano. When this series is done done I try to find music that is rich in nuance and subtlety if the the student likes classical music such as the "Favorite Classical Melodies" or the "Performance Primer level" series by James Bastien or American classic music ranging all the way from Stephen Foster to St. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My teaching methods vary by students specifications. I first work engaging beginners with piano pieces that gradually go from easiest to more complicated. The most important element is to keep the student focused through the entire class. For early ages I usually use playing, singing, exploring the instrument before reading the book. This way has always help me to get children motivated and ready to learn and read. It also breaks their shyness right from the trial or first lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe that setting goals and "deadlines" with the student, for example regarding the learning process of a piece, helps to improve better and faster, but also limits the frustration that an unsuccess can cause. I am always focused on how to make my lessons enjoyable, fun and useful. I am always aware of posture and relaxion of the student; two main factors that can help the student to be active and tireless throughout the course of the lesson, and during their own practice time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Organ Synthesizer Recorder Piccolo Keyboard

Each student has their own learning pace and choice of music and I enjoy customizing each lesson for every student. It's fun to watch the student play the music and songs that they like and especially the songs that they always wanted to play after working on the more difficult pieces. When the student can read music it opens up a world of musical possibilities. I like to explain why the music is composed the way it is . Read More