WHAT DOES A LESSON INCLUDE?
During a typical 30 minute lesson, we'll use a method book, off the bench games, supplementary music, iPad apps, and our imaginations. Your student will spend time almost every week working on:
- Sight-reading
- Theory concepts
- Beat competency
- Rhythm & tonal patterns
- Scales & arpeggios
- Performance pieces that wow!
- Composition
- Transposing
- Great technique & posture
- Technology
WHAT BOOKS DO I NEED?
Please see the FAQ's for more details about books.
LESSONS OFFERED
Piano
Ages 5-7
My First Piano Adventure
For young musicians, this excellent piano series builds the motor and musical skills they need to be successful. Moving from a pre-reading book, to steps on the staff, and then skips on the staff, this series by Nancy and Randall Faber is joyful and fun. Some students find that they need to start in this series for a refresher before moving onto the upper levels of My Piano Adventures. Each book includes a practice CD so students can listen to their songs and play along at home or on the road. First lesson is a free trial to check for readiness and understanding.
Ages 7 & Up
My Piano Adventures / Piano Pronto / Supersonics / and more!
A continuation of the My First Piano Adventure, the series by Nancy and Randall Faber covers all of the topics of an elementary student's piano education. Starting with a primer level for new beginners this series builds on each new skill with beautifully composed tunes, excellent technique and a sound pegagogy. Their series has many books and supplemental pieces to give each student a unique and personalized musical education. To determine if your student is ready for the primer or Level 1A books, the first lesson will be a free trial where readiness and understanding are assessed for best book placement. Some students may have been in Level 1 or even Level 2 prior to this series, but as it is a robust and challenging series, some students may need to go back and relearn some basic skills as this series intentionally progresses more slowly than others. First lesson is a free trial to check for readiness and understanding.
I've also started using Piano Pronto and Supersonics to supplement the Piano Adventures series this past year. They offer some exciting pieces, beautiful solos, and little more enrichment for the things our students are already learning in Piano Adventures. Your student may have worksheets from other books from time to time as a result. My goal here is to produce well rounded students who are comfortable at the piano with a variety of styles, techniques, and are able to play in whatever key or time signature is placed in front of them.
Older Beginners
Accelerated Piano
For teenagers and adults who have little or no experience playing piano, we'll start off in Piano Pronto and supplement from other series as we go. I especially like to have adult or older beginners tell me what pieces they would love to play so that we can work towards them as a goal.
Ukulele
Kindergarten & Up
You Can Ukulele!
For elementary students and up, the ukulele is a fabulous instrument for anyone. As a fun entry-level instrument to the stringed world, learning the ukulele is fast, easy, and less expensive than the guitar. Because of its small size and affordable price tag, the ukulele is great for kids, makes a great travel instrument, and the whole family can enjoy the results. Click here for my recommended starter soprano ukulele. Older students (and folks with larger hands) may wish to purchase a Tenor ukulele as the fret board is easier to navigate and has more space for bigger fingers. Shop local! The folks over at the Sound Source will have what you need and often have used instruments at great prices. First lesson is free to check for readiness and understanding.
Voice
Ages 8 & Up
Whether you are just starting out or you are dusting off the old song books, this is the place for you. Voice is my main instrument and I have so much fun teaching it. Learn to sing a song from your favorite artist, sing harmony in a duet, or learn to scat along with Ella. I am also available to help with audition work, solo preparation for special events like weddings or concerts, as well as NYSSMA or All County festival preparation.