Voice Lessons in Gravesend, NY

Instruments: Piano Voice

Music knowledge helps in child development, mentally and emotionally. I love encouraging children to strive for better and better results through the love to music and its beauty. I believe in acknowledging accomplishments right away and pointing out the strengths of any particular moment during practices so that students know in which direction to work on, as well as see the results of their efforts. I also believe that improvements come from better understanding of the material and basics, and vice versa. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin

For voice, I focus on proper understanding of the body and its role in singing. I combine this with a breakdown of individual skills followed by performance practice. The combination of the 2 allows there to be an understanding of the correct technique and an immediate opportunity for application. This is accompanied with homework in the form of exercises and books.For violin and piano, it is a similar process. I create and customize lesson plans for each of my students to that it is relevant to their goals and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I firmly believe that experiencing music and being inquisitive are invaluable to learning how to play music. Studying music is not just about learning the material and regurgitating it, but discovering why a moment of music is cool and examining what about that moment makes it hit you in the right spot. I will be the guide that the student needs when he or she does not know where to go with his or her studies, but I want to encourage students to bring in music they want to learn, or discuss music that they think is cool and use that as a jumping off point into our lessons. Read More

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

My teaching experience is rather diverse. I started teaching private lessons thirty years ago and I always loved sharing what I knew with others. I've never stopped teaching private lessons, but I've also taught group lessons and music classes in private schools, I've taught adult classes and I've taught college classes at two schools in New Jersey. I like to combine fundamentals of music with showing students what I'm currently up to with the main goal of getting the student to be able to play what he or she wants to as soon as possible. Read More

Instruments: Voice

No one student is the same, and I create custom vocal exercises for each student. I will also choose music for students who don't have their own or would like ideas to set them in the right direction. I usually devote some time to teaching sight-reading in my lessons when someone is unsure of how to read music, and the rest of the time will be focused on the actual mechanics of vocal production and performing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I supplement this work with flash-cards to help with note recognition, sight-singing to aid understanding of how bass and treble complement each other. I also use composition to help students develop ownership of the skills they're acquiring. Nothing says "I know how to do this" like writing your own song. Thompson's First Grade is also the starting point for my 7, 8 and 9 year old students. They enjoy the melodies, and the challenge of combining hands. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder

In my private lessons I emphasize building a strong foundation in rhythm, intonation, and note accuracy.  I incorporate learning theory, and playing with musical intention into every lesson to develop maturity, even in young musicians.  My students are comfortable reading music, and have all the skills they need to practice effectively.  In addition, I have prepared many musicians for successful concerts, festivals, and gigs. I create my own custom lesson plans and materials to cater to the students needs.  For young beginners, I recommend the KJOS Standard of Excellence book. Read More