About
As a child, I studied piano with my mother who has a master's degree in classical piano. I became a dedicated musician and composer at age 11 in Hoboken, New Jersey where I was blessed to be in a community full of amazing artists and musicians, some of whom took me under their wing. This included Perry Robinson, a mystically oriented clarinet player who was in Dave Brubecks band and won the Downbeat critics pole ten times.
As a teenager I performed with Herbie Hancock (Miles Davis), was part of the Empire Louisada Samba School and played in an Art Rock band with a couple of Uroguyan musicians, my best friend Emilio China (Psychic TV, Peter Murphy) and jazz pianist and composer Joe Ruddick.
New England Conservatory is where I attended college, in the Third Stream department under Ran Blake, with electric bass as my primary instrument. The studies included performing a John Cage piece under his direction, studying with Dave Holland and Bob Moses (Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorious), who's band I also performed with. Emilio and I had an avant-funk band called Sweet Lizard Illtet, who were early blenders of rock, hip-hop, and industrial music. Warner Brothers released our first record in 1991. My partner Rivka and I perform together, having traveled the US extensively, and moved to Pensacola in 2003 and are raising two children here: Rinah and Ashirah, who are also (reluctantly) learning music.
About ten years ago I took up accordion under Nina Tritenichenco and Walter Kasprzyk and am currently studying afro-cuban percussion with Donald Skoog.
I play and teach piano, guitar, voice, bass guitar and also drums and percussion, all with a focus on general musicality.
We learn more deeply about what we do through teaching. It's rewarding to work with people one-on-one or in small groups and an honor to pay forward the wonderful musical education I've received.
Details
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Madailein A.
Alexander T.
Desmond A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We get together and play a little music, listen a bit. Talk. We determine what direction that student is interested in pursuing. There are usually some exercises involved and I have a couple of piano methods (book series) we frequently emply.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Blessed to have a lot of wonderful mentors over the last few decades, including attending New England Conservatory. No name-dropping.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$60 a lesson. Sliding scale considered.
How did you get started teaching?
Originally I think I probably needed income as a teenager. Then I stopped teaching for a while and got back into it when friend's children were looking for music lessons.
What types of students have you worked with?
Varies ages, races and economic communities. Varied skill levels. Varied levels of enthusiasm.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The rhythm of the elecric clothes dryer. I've been enjoying some of the NPR Tiny Desk Concerts on YouTube. We've started a pretty regular family karaoke habit about once a week that's been fun.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Talk to as many musicians as will speak with you, asking questions and listening intently. Use your ears. Don't forget to use your ears. Make listening the first step in making music.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Goals, level of determination, fears, types of music and roles music can and does play in life.