Piano Lessons in Roslindale, MA

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

For young piano students I'm a fan of John Thompson method books. I get the student through beginners and then through at least the Grade 1 book. Then I introduce beginner piano literature books to help the student see a real music book. I work on music theory and how to map out a piece of music to learn it better. We start talking about musical style as well. For adults I use basically the same method but usually start with the Alfred all-in-one book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Trumpet Trombone Flute Clarinet Double Bass Euphonium

I cater lessons to YOUR needs and goals. I am not invested in there being a "right" technique of any kind. Together we will create a custom approach so that you will love the experience of playing the music you love.  I will share fun and efficient ways to practice so that you get immediate results. If desired, I also guarantee you will be playing a blues and improvising within a maximum of 6 weeks as long as you practice at least 10 minutes, three times a week.  You will have the option of playing along with recordings minus your part so that you can experience the joy of ensemble playing early on in the safety of your own home. I love creating small ensemble groups of students at similar levels and arranging concerts at regular intervals. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred's Basic Piano Library or Piano Adventures Faber method. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. This could include jazz, classical or pop music. 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

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

Hi, I am a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and have been teaching drums, piano, and percussion for over 12 years.  I focus on the fundamentals of teaching students how to read music and the rudiments, but try to balance this with just playing and having fun.  I want all of my students to have fun, and stay interested in playing and growing as a musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music. Therefore. Its important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. We can set a goal in each lesson,which can give them the motivation to keep practicing. Each student has their own method to teach, but my job is to find out how to make them feel that practicing is not boring, they are willing to play. Read More

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

For piano I prefer the Faber series. I like to include scales, sight-reading, and repertoire of the students choosing and of my suggestion. For Voice I like to cover the anatomical fundamentals (posture, breath, phonation, and depending on age), in the first lesson, and each lesson includes a warm-up as well as at least one piece of repertoire of the students choosing. For guitar I teach note reading as well as tablature, but we mostly work from tablature, unless the student is studying classical. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

Students learn best in a relaxed, nurturing environment.  I believe in order to successfully teach, I need to be encouraging, and truly care about the students.  My goal is to always have the students improve.  To do this, I think students need a well-balanced diet of tone (Moyse De la Senorite can be used), technique (scales for younger students, Maquarre Daily Excercises or Taffanel and Gaubert Daily Excercises for more advanced students), etudes (Melodious and Progressive Studies), and pieces (I consult the NYSSMA manual for appropriate pieces for the students level).  Having taken Alexander Technique, I strongly emphasize posture so that students can use their bodies in the most efficient way.  Individualized instruction allows for teachers to cater to the needs of the student, challenging the students without frustrating them.  Everyone is unique and learns at different rates, so no two lessons will ever be the same.  I teach students how to practice, so that they can progress outside of the 30 min. or hour long lesson.  As for performance standards, I have used rubrics for tone, technique, articulation, phrasing, and breathing.  Once strengths and weaknesses are assed, I create a plan to help the student improve, which is what students and teachers want to hear. Read More