Piano Lessons in West Newton, MA

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums

Of course, every student is different, and an integral part of my philosophy involves getting to know each student so that I may learn their creative preferences, strengths, and weaknessness. I do not shy away from books, I do indeed enjoy working out of the Hal Leonard collection because I appreciate the step by step structure. This may apply less to guitar, however, if the student's primary ambitions are to learn songs by Green Day or The Beatles, etc. Read More

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

My relationship with the guitar is a fusion of technical mastery and deep emotional connection. As a music producer and sound designer, the guitar has been my creative companion, allowing me to explore various genres from classical to Latin music. My approach to playing the guitar is both passionate and precise, reflecting a commitment to the craft that I've honed while performing with Latin Grammy-winners and other esteemed musicians. Whether in the studio or on stage, the guitar is more than an instrument to me; it's a conduit for expressing thoughts, feelings, and stories. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Organ Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

The method of teaching is as follows: 1) assess where the student is in music and in life, 2) ask about goals in music, 3) formulate objective to reach those goals, 4) rethink things when needed (students aren't cookies, so I can't use a cookie cutter). I do focus on things in order though. If you don't know your fundamentals, then that's where we start no matter what. After learning fundamentals, however, we can begin to pick and choose the battles and wars. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

With beginning students, I will start with the basics and encourage them to buy A Modern Method for Guitar by William Leavitt. Starting out, students will work on chords and scales. We will also work on building a repetoire of songs for the student to work on perform. Intermediate students will work on the fundamentals of theory, triads, beginner 7th chords, and improvasation. Advanced students will work on expanding their knowledge of theory, inversions, technique building, chord tensions and substitution. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Methods will be by case to case basis. Children with be asked to purchase the John Thomson Piano Book series as we first dive into reading music notation, learn our Keys, and begin basic music history. If parents are interested I suggest learning alongside children to help with weekly practice. Adults will be depending on resources and goals - What makes you want to take lessons? - Who and what inspired you to do it -What genre are you looking to play *Classical Music ( My expertise) is a lot of fun but can be very demanding, I will not introduce this material unless requested* Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I always work with a method book, and have a range of fun books to choose from from beginner to advanced for guitar and piano. I use a separate sheet of paper as a log of each day's lesson at the end to show what we worked on, what to practice, and other notes or positive remarks ( ‘great job’, etc.) With older students I encourage exploring your own musical tastes and learning from the artists you like. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Music

Fundamentals come from slow practice, and unfortunately, there is no true fun way of doing it. However, I pair technical work with listening assignments, so that the students actually see the point of fundamental training. Hanon is the one book that has stayed with me for two decades and I adhere to its various training regimens very closely. The book itself may be insufficient, but the auxiliary exercises I designed will improve the practice efficiency. Read More