About
My teaching method is based on the knowledge that students learn best when they are playing their favorite music. When students play the music they enjoy the most, they are more motivated to practice and will make faster progress.
I am a graduate of Five Towns College, receiving a Bachelors in Music Education. During my musical training at Five Towns College, I studied classical, jazz, and pop piano which I put into practice performing with several bands on and off campus. I currently play piano for Sunday worship at Congregation of the Messiah church in Tuckahoe where I have been a member and piano accompanist for several years. I also teach the Discovering Music class and instruct Jazz Band Club at John Jay Middle School.
I have taught piano lessons in Westchester for over seven years and being familiar with several different genres has allowed me to help students with different interests reach their piano goals. If you are interested in learning piano so you can write your own songs I can teach you how to arrange the perfect piano part to accompany your song or help with wherever you are in the songwriting process. If you know for certain that all you want to do is learn a few chords so you can play with your band, that's great! If you are not sure what kind of music you want to play, that's okay too. I teach a bit of everything. Whatever your musical interest, we will make that the focus, while also creating a foundation in music theory, technique, and sightreading that will allow you the musical freedom to play any and all of the music you love.
While I enjoy seeing students progress, I also enjoy the process of figuring out how to get a student to their goals. Even for my own practice, I write a detailed plan so I can practice most efficiently. This is especially useful for students with limited time to practice. You don't need to practice three hours a day!
Highlights
Specialties
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Student has instrument
Interested musical styles
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
During the first lesson I try to find out what the student already knows. I also ask students about their goals and work with them to create a plan to get them there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors of Music degree from Five Towns College where I studied music education with a concentration in piano/voice. I currently teach general music and choir at Stony Point Elementary in North Rockland Central School District. I have several years of experience teaching private piano lessons in Westchester county.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
60 Minutes $60
45 Minutes $50
30 Minutes $40
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A piano teacher may be a great concert pianist, but if your goal is to learn jazz improvisation, they may not be the best fit for you. Make sure your teacher understands your goals and can teach you what you would like to learn.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should reflect on what their goals are for piano. If their goal is to play piano for their church, they should consider finding a piano teacher with a lot of experience as a church pianist. Similarly, if their goal is to play piano to help them write their own music, they should consider finding a teacher with songwriting experience.