About
Originally from Rutherford, New Jersey, I moved to the Tampa Bay area at the age of 9 where I began taking piano lessons. As a young boy, I was interested in learning themes from my favorite movie soundtracks which quickly set a course for me to eventually explore the various forms of classical music. In addition to the piano, I took up the French horn in junior high school and studied both instruments through college. In 2005, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Tampa with a concentration in performance. I have over 17 years of teaching experience to students from ages 5 to 75 and, as a keyboardist, I have shared the stage with colleagues in diverse local bands specializing in rhythm & blues, rock n' roll, pop, and country.
Research shows that active musical participation engages more parts of the brain than perhaps any other activity and encourages the two hemispheres to work together effectively and efficiently. Musical training increases the brain’s capacity to understand subtle differences in word syllables. It also aids in the development of spatial-temporal reasoning, a foundation for mathematic success. There are strong correlations between instrumental music study and abstract reasoning skills. Musicians' brains are highly developed in a way that makes them alert, interested in learning, disposed to see the whole picture, calm, and playful. They also have more frequent “peak experiences”-intense moments of happiness and feelings of transcending limitations. Just listening to music can be very cathartic, but learning to create it will change your life forever.
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Reviews
Swarna
Pav b.
Sreedhar P.
Vasudha S.
Leena M.
Nikki F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I prefer to come to your residence for lessons. There is no extra charge for this. The very first meeting is a free trial lesson for you to decide if you (or your child) would like to continue with lessons. We discuss individual goals, I offer advice about purchasing a keyboard or piano (if you don't already have one), and I bring new learning materials (lesson books, charts, homework journals, etc.) to your lesson. If you have experience playing or taking lessons in the past, I use this time to ask you specific questions and listen to you play so I can properly establish your level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
University of Tampa (2005): Bachelor of Arts in Music (concentration in performance)
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Fees are collected on the date of the first lesson of each month for the upcoming full month of once-per-week lessons. This reserves your spot in my schedule for the month. 30 minute lessons = $80 per month ($20 x 4) 45 minute lessons = $110 per month ($28 x 4) 60 minute lessons = $140 per month ($35 x 4) In the months that have 5 weeks/5 lessons, I do not charge for the 5th lesson. If your first lesson begins after the first week of the month, fees for that month will be prorated. I am very flexible with scheduling makeup lessons. I ask that you give 24 hours notice if you are going to miss a lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
After graduating in 2005, I was hired as a teacher at a local music store/studio in New Tampa where I consistently increased clientele (up to 50 students per week) by referrals of satisfied parents.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages (5 to 75)-boys and girls/men and women, skill levels (beginner to advanced), all types of musical goals (classical, rhythm & blues, rock n' roll, pop, and country), all learning abilities/needs.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I enjoy arranging songs for students to suit their skill level. It is important to incorporate songs that the students enjoy to keep them engaged and motivated. I can arrange songs for students in as little as one week (using professional music notation software).
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is important that the instructor have a thorough education, extensive experience, great communication skills, a lot of patience, and an excellent reputation. I would encourage you to contact me if you would like phone numbers of students or parents who can confirm my suitability as an instructor. Reviews are very important.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
My philosophy as a teacher has always been to guide students to be independent learners: “A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.” ~ Thomas Carruthers I also believe that exposure is the key to gaining confidence. That is why I enroll students in recitals to play among their peers, family, and friends.