Forest Hills Music Theory Lessons

About Me

As a younger brother at the age of five, I began studying the piano because my older sister did. After my foundation in music strengthened I fell in love with the trumpet. At first, each note took time to develop and I enjoyed the challenge. The trumpet allowed me to travel all over the Southeast later in life and even to China with a 1940's Radio Show. I enjoyed many top-level bands the kindled my love and passion for good music. I want to share that kindling with my students in a nurturing and guiding situation, just like my teachers gave me.
I used to go to lessons and become so motivated and inspired that I thought I could change the world. I always knew that I would want to give back exactly that. As my performance opportunities grew into venues like Churchill Grounds, The Eyedrum, The Rialto, and The Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and Radio City Music Hall and Flushing Town Hall in New York, my fire for wanting to develop my teaching did also. I was...

About Me

I began studying piano and music theory when I was 5. My father was an accomplished musician (classical and folklore) who played great role in my accomplishment as a pianist and teacher

While studying in Music College, I took part in various festivals and competitions. I performed several piano concertos with symphonic orchestra. Some of them are: Mozart Piano Concerto No 20 in D minor, Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No 2 in G minor, Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor Op 54 pt. Parallel with my studies in College I gave piano lessons in classical music. I accomplished my studies with honors.
I traveled and taught music in different countries: United Kingdom, Central and Eastern Europe which helped me gain great experience how to teach students with different background

I got my MA from the Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA). My studies were focused on education administration and management. This helped me manage class in most efficient and effective way , plan lessons and...

About Me

Juan began his musical studies at The National Conservatory of Music in The Dominican Republic. He started playing Latin Percussion at 15, and drum set at 20. As a drum set player he worked in night clubs, hotels, wedding bands, and television shows. Based in New York for the last 25 years, he studied jazz drums with Lynn Oliver, Charlie Persip, Bobby Bach, and orchestral percussion with Morris 'Arnie' Lang.

As a teacher, Juan is patience, imaginative, fun, adjustable, and inspiring. He is willing to create a curriculum specially designed for you. He has being teaching Drum Set, Latin Percussion, and Piano for the last 10 years, and taught clinics in New York Public Schools.

As a performer, Juan has toured Europe 5 times (both as a performer and Latin Percussion clinician). He has worked with Celia Cruz, Jose Luis Rodriguez 'El Puma', Iris Chacon among others. He is in demand freelance drummer-percussionist in New York City, performing regularly with Brooklyn...

About Me

I am experienced with all ages from 5 - adult and have been teaching lessons for ~8 years. I began as a volunteer in High School and built a larger private base of students while in college. I have played lead guitarist/singer/songwriter roles in several rock bands, as well as participated in award winning ensembles of all varieties (Jazz Bands, Wind Symphonies, Marching Band, Symphonic Band). Despite a background rich in performance, teaching is my foremost skill and profession. In addition to lessons, I've taught in the classroom setting. I was the first Popular Music and Jazz Major to graduate from the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music. Currently, I'm completing my Master's Degree at Hunter College in Manhattan in Music Education while maintaining a flexible schedule as to accommodate new students.

About Me

I like to combine fundamental knowledge (such as music theory, ear training, improvisation, reading music, writing charts, and technique) with current styles of music like Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop in addition to Jazz and Blues.

I do this with my career and enjoy teaching it to my students.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music in 2008 with a degree in Professional Music.

One of my strengths as a teacher and performer is my versatility.
I've played with groups ranging in styles from Rock, Hip Hop and Country to Avant-Garde Jazz and Latin music.
One of the newest projects I'm involved in plays spontaneously composed music.

It's important to be able to take practical knowledge and know when and where to apply it to whatever musical situation you're in. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.

About Me

After years of teaching all levels, and many different styles of voice and piano lessons, I can tell you this-- I LOVE teaching! My students have ranged from 5 to 45, from classical piano, or jazz/ pop piano to pop/ rock/ jazz singing, and no matter what we always have a great time. I guarantee that in our lessons, you will see progress almost immediately... but above all, learning music is FUN! :)

A little extra info....
**As a Masters candidate in Jazz Studies at NYU, I'm currently finishing my graduate degree and working on a new album of some jazz, folk, and original music.
**I perform a lot around New York City.
**I teach piano and voice lessons at NYU, from beginning to advanced, classical, pop or jazz, and have been teaching privately for five years out of my home.
**I also organize and teach vocal workshop classes, where singers can learn how to work with a band.

Before moving to NYC, I lived in Seattle and taught music lessons there. I graduated from...