Piano Lessons in Union Square, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet Recorder

I begin my teaching by gauging the student's current ability; once it has been recognised, I then inquire about what it is the student wishes to accomplish under my tutelage. I weed out any early misgivings by trying to get the student to settle for realistic goals. Aiming too high can often overwhelm individuals, and it is a mistake I like to avoid in my teaching, especially in a field as emotionally demanding as music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Drums Synthesizer Ukulele Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods of teaching have been refined over the years and I've found it that methods of teaching have to be tailored to each student. For every lesson I develop a lesson plan that organizes the lesson so there is no time wasted. As I get to know the student more, I develop a lesson plan specific to the student and work on the things that need work but as well as to keep the student motivated by performing and memorizing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I feel that while it is important that students make progress, every student must move at his or her own pace. I like to set goals for students in terms of technical growth and potential repertoire, and believe in acknowledging the improvements a student makes, whether over time or in the moment. Though it is wonderful to see a student gradually understand a concept, there is nothing more exciting for a teacher than seeing a student have an "Aha!" moment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

Music has been a big part of my life as long as I can remember.I have been playing the piano and organ for over forty years.I love teaching and performing. I took private lessons for about seventeen years from five different instructors. I went to Bergen Community college in NJ for music. I am currently performing at a theater in Suffern NY playing the theater organ before the movies on Saturday evenings. Read More

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

For beginners I usually start them off with two books, Stick Control and Funky Primer. I then pair what they learn from those with real world examples and try to incorporate that into songs that they want to play. For more intermediate students we focus more on developing their musical vocabulary and all around versatility. We go more in depth on rudiments and using them around the kit. We also start covering music industry fundamentals and the skills they need to market themselves as a musician and how to put together or find a band to start gigging with! 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