Informal Lessons for Enjoyment or Fun

This approach is favored by students who feel that they "have enough stress from daily life, and that they want to enjoy lessons — Music is supposed to be fun!"

• Lessons are designed for each individual student and should be as fun as possible
• Motivational musical material is taken directly from recordings chosen by student and teacher
• Students decide the musical style they want to learn (for example, an Eric Clapton solo)
• Focus is on playing music — exercises are kept to a minimum
• No method books. Instruction is customized to what you are interested in learning.
• No Pressure, no competition, no recitals
• Minimum practice time
• "Playing by ear" is stressed
• Reading music is not a major part of the lessons
• How to play music you hear on recordings

 

Serious Approach to Prepare for NYSSMA or a Musical Career

The focus of lessons in this approach is much more intense and specialized topics are studied. Those who elect this track feel that"If I am paying for lessons, I or my child must commit to a certain amount of daily practice time." We focus on performance skills (for NYSSMA and jazz groups), and general music skills for college advanced placement or scholarship applicants. Instruction is available in the following areas:

• Reading Music
• Music Theory
• Harmony
• Basic Keyboard Skills
• Diatonic (or Atonal) Ear Training
• Composition
• Counterpoint
• Improvisation
• Professional Level Materials (depending on the student)
• Music Technology