About
I have a knack for patience and a desire to make performing arts accessible and enjoyable for whomever takes my class. I believe in the power of positive reinforcement and firm constructive criticism to not only get the best results from my students, but to instill a passion for performing arts and desire to excel.
I love helping kids find their passion. As an experienced dance and trumpet teacher, I have seen first hand exactly what the arts can do to a student's confidence, demeanor, composure, and their work ethic. As dance instructor, I see my students stand taller and walk into a room with confidence. As a trumpet and voice teacher, I see my students cultivate a strong work ethic where they recognize the mantra that "practice makes perfect." As a son of a retired elementary schoolteacher myself, I have seen how rewarding a teacher feels when their students overcome obstacles in their lives, and my hope is to apply this to my own teaching.
Reviews
Erica Y.
Nikos V.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I love to first get a gauge as to what they hope to accomplish with me. Whether it be recreational or driven, I hope to get a ground work as to what their ambitions are, that way I can understand how to proceed with my schedule. For dance, I test their knowledge on terminology and see how they pick up choreography. As a voice and trumpet student, I take the first lesson to understand fundamental music theory and practice (music reading competency, general understanding of pitch, intonation, check their range and dexterity / endurance, etc.) From there,
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a B.A in Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre from Marymount Manhattan College, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My rates:
Voice and Trumpet private lesson: $25 / 30 minutes, $40 / hour
Dance: General group dance class $10 / class, private lessons $40 / hour
How did you get started teaching?
I started private trumpet and dance when I was in high school. I was lucky enough to attend a high school and dance studio where they were passionate about student mentorship, and I took advantage of the opportunity.
What types of students have you worked with?
As dance instructor, I have worked with students as young as 8 and as old as 18. As voice and trumpet teacher, I have worked with students as young as 10 and as old as 16.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I will soon work with a company that creates free dance classes for girls in East Harlem and the South Bronx.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you gel well with their personality, and make sure they inspire you to be the best "you" you can be. If you develop a good rapport with any teacher, they will dedicate great energy to your education and you will want to honor their efforts.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What inspires you (tv, movie, people, music, etc.)?
How much of a dedication do you want to make to a craft? Are you looking to make a career of it, or is it something that you want to do for fun?
What kind of a teacher do you want? (Intense, stern, casual, formal, etc.)