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Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Ages: 5 & up
In-Home Lessons: Yes
In-Studio Lessons: Yes
Online Lessons: No
Subjects Taught In Person
Piano, Music Performance, Music Theory, Trombone, Tuba
Education
Manhattan School of Music - M.M Trombone Performance - 2008-2010 (Master's degree received) University of Michigan - B.M Trombone and Euphonium Performance - 2002-2006 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
I teach all low brass instruments to students of all ages. I specialize in teaching classical and jazz.
Lesson Details
As a teacher I am understanding and patient, but do expect that students put in a fair amount of effort into their preparation at home and during the lesson. I believe that honesty and trust on the behalf of both teacher and student is key to building a great teacher/student relationship and to the progress of the student. I realize that everyone has a lot on their plates and therefore your lesson preparation may suffer from time to time. However I do expect that you generally show up ready
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and eager to learn. I will always do my very best to be 100% prepared as well to teach.
Students come to me at all different skill levels and with different interests and goals in mind, so each lesson is designed to help that individual student reach his or her personal goal. Everyone learns a bit differently so my methods may vary depending on how you best learn.
I emphasize fundamentals with all of my students. It is so important for brass players to develop good habits early on. We will work on different exercises to address tone production, proper breathing, flexibility, articulation etc. Every lesson will begin with a warm up that will incorporate these different fundamentals. Playing a brass instrument is very similar to being an athlete. You always stretch before going for a long run, so you always warm up before diving into your repertoire!
I like for the students to have a say in what music they learn. I want you to learn music that you are passionate about. Therefore, music will be picked based on your interests and your skill level.
I am currently an active freelance trombonist and euphoniumist in the New York, tri-state area. On any given day I could be performing various genres of music including orchestral, jazz, chamber, rock, funk and hip-hop/R&B. My career has led me to perform with various ensembles in prestigious halls around the country such as Carnegie Hall, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA. Working as a musician has also given me the opportunity to travel the world as a performer. Most recently I went
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on tour throughout China with the Manhattan Symphonie this past December. In addition to my career as a performer, I am an active educator. Along with private teaching ,this January I began a job as a teaching artist for the Salvation Army's Phil Ramone Orchestra for Children, where I teach group trombone lessons and well as music theory.
I fell in love with music at the age of five when I began taking piano lessons. I began studying trombone and Euphonium at the age of 10. In 2002 I was accepted to the University of Michigan as a double major in trombone and euphonium performance where I studied with David Jackson and Fritz Kaenzig. I graduated from the Manhattan School of music in 2010 where I received my masters in trombone performance, studying with Stephen Norrell.
I have been teaching private trombone, euphonium, and tuba lessons to students of all ages and skill levels, as well as piano lessons at the beginner level for eight years. I look forward to working with you to help develop your own special musical voice. With my experience as a teacher and performer, I have confidence that I can help you achieve your personal musical goals, whether you are just starting out, trying to pursue music as a career, and everything in between. I have been lucky to have studied with many great teachers throughout my life and am excited to share all the knowledge I have gained from them with you.
In-Studio: The Studio location is at her family's home in Long Island. The lessons are taught in the living room with an upright piano and some music is provided. You must provide your own trombone, euphonium or tuba and may need to purchase some music. Seating is also available.
In-Home: I provide some music. I expect the student to provide a piano or trombone, euphonium or tuba and may require them to purchase some method books.
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Rated 4 out of 5 by 1
reviewer.
Rated 4 out of 5 by LoriL my daughter is very happy with Alaina which means so am I.
April 22, 2012
Getting Started
Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the
guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think
about the logistics of your lessons.
Lesson Length
There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or
60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience
level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and
short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most
importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay
focused.
Lesson Location
Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home,
in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at
your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or
professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet
via live video chat.
Book Your Lessons Online
Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you
through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the
payment plan that works best for you.
Scheduling Lessons
After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to
see which time slots and days are open.
Booking Options
Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact
information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program
options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
Payment and Billing
We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices
vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the
length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in
your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance,
which locks in your time slot.
Signing Your Customer Agreement
Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student
Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your
instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level,
and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right
from the start.
Start Your Lessons
Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an
exceptional first lesson...
Prepare for Your First Lesson
Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within
the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide
you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you
to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
What To Expect
Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an
assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you
might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different
parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For
voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
Reach the Goals You Set
Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan!
You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your
specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of
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The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
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you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
100% Money Back Guarantee
If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll
gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson
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Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of
booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson
takes place.
How does billing work?
Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the
teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the
lesson program you select.
What forms of payment do you accept?
At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and
American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card.
We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
Do you offer a free trial lesson?
We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that
you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back
Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't
want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the
lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee,
simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
Do you offer any discounts?
At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are
booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be
charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.
