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New York University - Music Composition - 2004-2008 (Bachelor's degree received)
Specialties
I can teach Beginner-Intermediate classical piano. Beginner-Advanced Rock/Classical Guitar. Beginner-Advanced Musical Theatre/Rock Vocals.
Lesson Details
I teach Beg. to Advanced in Guitar, Voice, and Piano. I'm great with young kids and teenagers, but have taught students of all ages. I specialize in providing my guitar students with a solid foundation of music theory and technique, with a strong emphasis on rock and pop music. With my voice students I believe it's important to work on breathing and relaxation exercises in order to promote proper technique.
Depending on the style of music we might be working on I might either use a
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method book or have my own curriculum to start out with. After a few months each student will definitely have an understanding of how they should practice in order to achieve their goals.
Music has always been a big part of my life and I really enjoy giving the gift of music to other people. I began teaching guitar lessons during high school after a family friend asked me if I could show him a few things. From there I developed my technique as a teacher and my roster of students grew through word of mouth before I went off to college.
EDUCATION
I attended New York University in the fall of 2004, majoring in Music Composition at the Steinhardt School of Education. I
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studied privately with Dr. Joseph Church, who was the Music Director for the Lion King on Broadway, as well as The Who's Tommy. He was a true mentor and helped me hone my skills as a songwriter, lyricist and vocalist.
During my time at NYU I spent a year teaching group guitar lessons at the Edgies Teen Center in Lower Manhattan. In this low-income neighborhood it was really important to give my students an outlet to express themselves in a positive way by learning the importance of music.
Growing up I studied Classical Piano for many years with Dr. Donald Pirone at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. It was during this time that I really discovered my love for music.
EXPERIENCE
After graduating Cum Laude in 2008 I continued to build up my roster of students and began teaching at the School of Rock in Roslyn, Long Island. At the School of Rock I currently run a group activity called "Rock 101", where kids ranging from 6-14 all participate in playing songs together and learning new aspects of creating on their instruments. I teach private guitar, piano, bass, drum, and vocal lessons as well.
I recently did an interview with the Huffington Post about a recent show that I directed with my students at School of Rock, which took place at Joe's Pub in NYC.
PERSONAL PROJECTS
I've been performing at venues in New York City since I was about 16 years old and currently play with my band Future Relative. Recently we've played at notable venues in NYC such as Mercury Lounge and Highline Ballroom. I also work as a producer, remixer and DJ, throwing monthly parties at Fontana's in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
I look forward to meeting any potential new students and I'm very happy to be a part of the TakeLessons family!
In-Studio: couch, table and mic stand, keyboard, drum kit, music stand, guitar stands, iPod stereo, PA Speakers, metronome, monitors, tuner, extra guitar, room for parents to sit in lesson
Rated 5 out of 5 by CandiceR Patient and encouraging
Armand has been a patient and encouraging teacher. He is thorough and professional, and has a lot of knowledge to share.
March 26, 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
your progress with a lesson journal.
Programs & Pricing
The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track
of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available,
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
purchase.
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.
