Piano Lessons in Throggs Neck, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I started teaching privately in college, at the age of 18 in numerous studios throughout New York City. I have taught people of all ages, from the age of 5 to people in their 70s. Setting realistic goals and making sure my students have proper practice habits is key to ensuring their growth in both singing and playing the piano. I also like to delve into what my students want to learn and am open to working on any style, including classical, pop, rock, and more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Assessment is the task during the first lesson. I must determine the student's voice type, and what style of music the student would like to pursue. If a boy's voice hasn't yet changed, I'll assess whether he is an alto or soprano. I'm a keen believer in teaching one to sightread and encouraging one to improvise with his/her instrument! For sightreading I shall introduce The Trinity College, Sound at Sight. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Piccolo

Having taught many students over the years, my favorite books for young beginners are the Rubank series and Pares Scale book. These give a good foundation and progression and have easy to read fingering charts. Once a student gets going with these I introduce simple duet books so that, by playing with me, they develop a strong sense of tone and intonation. The first solo books I recommend are collections of solo's by famous composers, these give the student the chance to gravitate toward the style and composer they like best. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For small children, I used kid-friendly method books provided by the music school I was working with at the time to keep them engaged and entertained. For older children and adults, I simply ask about their prior musical knowledge and the music that they enjoy so we could use that as inspiration. For beginning students, I recommend the Standard of Excellence or Essential Elements which are both great options for the basics of their instruments and both include fingering charts and fingerings for each new note they learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

For students, both children and adults, I like to put great emphasis on ear training and improvisation. Although I emphasize ear training and improvisation, I do not neglect sight reading and learning repertoire. I make sure to balance these two as well as make sure the student is practicing songs they enjoy as well! Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I had a very unique opportunity to be mentored by the legendary drummer/bandleader/NEA Jazz Master Chico Hamilton. I spent a lot of time with him on and off the stage. I was observing and loving all of these moments on tour and in the studio. I learned so many things from him, most importantly what it means to be a teacher. In order to teach, one should never stop learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet Accordion

Igor performed at jazz festivals in Ljubljana, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Csfero, at major jazz clubs in New York including the Jazz Standard, Cornelia Street Cafe, Supper Club, Birdland; and venues all over the world with such jazz legends as Reggie Workman, John Abercrombie, Chico Hamilton. In 2011 I was commissioned to create a piece for a closure of European Capital of Culture. With multimedia artist Zeljka Blaksic he created Resistance of the Earth, which is a multimedia project that combines several artistic genres; from video, performance, 16 mm film to live music. Read More