Piano with Anthony S.

My latest article for TAKELESSONS: http://takelessons.com/blog/ukulele-or-guitar-for-kids-zo1 I have a BA in Music from CUNY College of Staten Island and a MM in Composition from CUNY Brooklyn College. I have been teaching Music in NYC Public Schools since 2005 where I have taught thousands of students ages 5 through 14; General Music and Instrumental studies. I have taught private lessons as young as 4 and as mature as 65. In addition to my work as an educator, I am a working musician and composer most recently working on a Chidlren's songbook titled SENSITIVE SAM, and video game music for the iPhone, iPad and iPod APP titled Tin Man Can released by Chillingo and Red Candy Games. I use my creativity to engage my students, teaching them musical empowerment by learning how to improvise and compose their own music. My primary instruments can be found in any rock band (guitar, bass, drums, etc.) however I have extensive experience and success in teaching string and wind instruments. I am a fun and outgoing person who loves talking about music or just about anything, I would be happy to be your music teacher! *** Lesson Details *** I have a laid back personality but I stress self discipline in my lessons. I teach students to be their own boss! I want my students to take responsibility of their education because unlike the subjects that we NEED to learn for life, music can be the one thing we choose to learn to enrich our minds and spirit. I always begin my lessons with just getting to know the instrument, making sounds and noises and improvising on whatever the student already knows. I then proceed to rudiments, taking the student into understanding music as a subject and how to transfer things on a page or sounds in their ear to the instrument. I have a preferred way to teach and a curriculum I use, however I will ask the student what their goals are at the beginning and always keep my instruction steadily aimed at achieving those goals. After three to six months, students will be able to sight read simple melodies and chord names, as well as play some of their favorite songs and some classics. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide a computer, music stand, manuscript paper, stickers and a sense of humor. *** Specialties *** I have taught Suzuki and Orff methods as well as traditional notational reading. I prefer to teach music reading to students ages 8 and up. I teach instruments, theory/ composition as well as songwriting.