Voice Lessons in Central Riverdale, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Ukulele

I approach teaching on an individual basis, meaning it's important to me to know the goals, hopes, passions, and if applicable, the worries or insecurities the student is feeling. In a first lesson I identify something that is special and unique about each student, and build their technique from this place. I find this helps the difficult areas feel a little less challenging because they already have something they feel proud of when working through the discomfort of something new or intimidating. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute

I tailor my lessons to the needs of each student, no matter the level. I make sure to set goals that are attainable. I want my students to feel confident about their skills. I'm very open to questions and suggestions for music they want to sing. The more they enjoy it, the more they're likely to practice! I focus on their strengths while also working on their weaker areas. My degree in music therapy gives me unique skills when it comes to building relationships with my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Latin Percussion Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The most important thing is that the student should be having fun, because music is fun! There is work involved, but at the end of the day, music should bring a smile to your face and if you are not having fun with music, then I am not doing my job. It is extremely important to me that the student grows, not only in technical ability, but in their love and enjoyment of music as well. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students engaged and developing a passion for singing and music. It's important to set real and specific goals so the progress can be noticeable, working at each students pace. I find encouragement and acknowledgment of accomplishments is essential when I teach. It's all about connecting and finding out what inspires the student so I can tailor the lesson to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

A teacher who is not implementing his own skills or who does not experiment and search for different forms of practice will soon become very limited and limiting. As a kid, I was raised in the so-called Russian tradition, took lessons with European professors in my teenage years, and immigrated to North America at the age of nineteen. A by-product of cross-culturalism, I simultaneously learned the principles of different violin schools, researched their traditions, particularities, and distinctions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Flute Recorder Piccolo Music

I make it a point to ask all students (or parents for my younger ones) to purchase a notepad where assignments, expectations, exercises, tips/tricks can be written down to help them progress during the year and into the following week of lessons. My favorite aspect about teaching is pushing students beyond the limit they place for themselves. That being said there must be a mutual understanding that I will do all I can to help students get over a "learning hump" as I call it- I have access to a plethora of journals, articles, teaching websites, a personal library, all of these materials can be scanned, printed out, emailed and whatnot for the benefit of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

Nothing makes me happier than having the opportunity to share my love of music and guitar. Upon graduating from Skidmore College in 2000, I was accepted to Florida State University to the classical guitar program under the study of Bruce Holzman. I feel my decision to simultaneously work towards two masters degrees speaks clearly for my motivation and passion towards music. While I focused on music theory/composition for my PhD studies at Louisiana State University, I continued performing newly composed works by graduate composers for the instrument. Read More