Piano with Craig C.

Craig C. is a pianist, accompanist, and musical director from Massapequa, NY. He holds a Bachelor of Music with a degree in Piano from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. During high school, Craig studied primarily jazz piano and was chosen as the All Jazz piano Player for New York State in 2005. While in college, he studied classical piano with Phyllis Lehrer and gained a great interest in teaching piano. His coursework included studies in piano and voice pedagogy and techniques, accompanying, vocal diction, and choir. Craig has performed with some of the best orchestras in the world in the Westminster Symphonic Choir. Notable performances include Mahler's 8th Symphony with Pierre Boulez and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, performed in Carnegie Hall and "Die Erste Walpurgisnacht" by Felix Mendelsohnn under the direction of Kurt Masur. For the past nine years, Craig has been involved with over fifty professional and amateur musical theater productions throughout Long Island. He has been musical director, vocal director, pianist, and keyboardist. Throughout the years, Craig has gained a lot of experience in musical theater vocal coaching and techniques. In addition to jazz, classical and musical theater, Craig has performs actively with performing/recording artist Ryan Thomas as keyboardist and is a well received accompanist around Long Island. He is very comfortable with all styles and genres of music and loves to share any and all types of music with everyone. *** Lesson Details *** Craig is comfortable teaching all ages and abilities of piano and voice. Students should expect a relaxed and friendly environment that is open to change and interpretation depending on the individual. Lessons are completely catered to each individual student's needs and wants. Depending on what the student (and parent) is looking to get of it, lessons can be anywhere very loose and free form to strict with clear cut goals. Students can study any styles they wish to study while still learning good technique and musicianship. Technique and musicianship will always come first in lessons. Students can also expect to have the style of teaching used to be catered to their particular learning style. *** Travel Equipment *** I will provide some music, forms, recording equipment, and a music stand, but students must provide their own instrument, books, and any other materials I would like them to have such as a notebook or binder. *** Specialties *** I am most proficient in piano of all styles as that is what my degree is in, but I have extensive experience in musical theater voice coaching and teaching as well. I can also teach classical voice, euphonium, and musical theory. I am comfortable with all ages and levels.