Teaching Music
I teach music through listening, repertoire, and playing with others. Depending on the instrument and student, we may also learn technique with classical studies and sheet music.
Lessons are shaped around each student’s experience, interests, and goals.
NJ photos ©Jeff Crespi. USVI Photos © Spencer Chaney.
Instruments I teach
Lessons for a range of ages and experience levels.
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Whether you want the basics of guitar skills or advanced travis-picking techniques, I can help you with my more than 25 years of playing.
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We can look at music theory, sight-reading, jazz, composing – piano is the ultimate instrument for learning music in general.
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Whats better than a banjo? Nothing. If you’ve already got a banjo and a front porch, you’re halfway there. We can learn overhand (clawhammer, frailing, thumping . . .) or fingerpicking styles.
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Mainly focused on Irish styles, my studies with master-fiddler Kevin Burke have taken me through the basics of the violin, and into the world of traditional fiddle music – both American and Irish.
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I was a singer before I picked up any other instrument. Originally working in rock, I then moved into musical theater, folk, country just to name a few. Having worked through a vocal rehabilitation, my own journey with vocals serves as an asset while teaching others.
Why and how I teach
To teach is to learn and my passion to teach is fueled by my love for music.
Classes are a shared process of exploration and I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, making attempts, mistakes, and developing a unique musical voice.
How lessons Work
Each student brings different experience, interest, and goals to a lesson. I tailor lessons to the individual, while also helping students learn not just what to practice, but how to practice.
Technique:
Warm up exercises designed to develop technical skill.
Music study:
Ear training, reading music, general music theory, and repertoire.
Making music:
Working on a complete song or tune that the student brings in or something we discover together.