Chelmsford Music Lessons

youth productions, or teaching the next generation of music lovers how to navigate the keys. And while I perform mostly Broadway-style music now, my classical training continues to serve me well; using good technique not only allows me to play more accurately and expressively, it also protects me from injuries that might otherwise arise from long rehearsals and a busy performance schedule.

I'm excited about where my musical journey has taken me, and I look forward to helping you start or continue yours.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm serious about making sure my students learn basic skills, like reading notes and rhythms and learning to interpret music artistically, that will serve them not only as developing pianists but in any future musical endeavors. To that end, I choose method books (such as the Faber Piano Adventures series) and supporting materials that build a strong foundation of musical knowledge, and I help each student construct a practice schedule that's appropriate to his or her level.

However, although I do maintain a certain amount of structure, I am very patient and relaxed in my approach to each individual student. I recognize that not everyone learns at the same speed or in the same way, so as long as I can tell you're putting in the effort, I will also try my hardest to find what works for you! And I know it's easiest to stay motivated when working on music you love, so I like to supplement the regular lesson materials with music of the student's choice, whether that means offering a selection of level-appropriate classical pieces, helping locate an arrangement of a favorite song, or coming up with our own arrangement if a good one doesn't already exist. And while my own background is strongest in classical and Broadway styles, I'm happy to have students work on music from any genre. One of the best parts of teaching is when I get to learn something new as well.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Malden studio: Dedicated studio with 88-key weighted keyboard, recording equipment, and large collection of sheet music. Parents can sit in on lessons or wait downstairs. Parking in driveway or on street. We have cats.

Bedford studio: Front room setup for lessons with upright piano and stereo. Laptop available to record lessons. Parents can sit in on lessons. Parking available in driveway and street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would expect the student to provide a piano or suitable keyboard (88 keys, weighted keys or at least somewhat touch-sensitive, with a clear piano sound). For vocal students, it would be helpful for them to have a separate music stand as well.

*** Specialties ***
In terms of vocal music, I am definitely most comfortable with Broadway-style repertoire, but I have experience with some of the classical repertoire as well. As a pianist I have a solid classical background but am also very familiar with Broadway playing styles; I think I've done a little of everything at this point, so I could adapt to any interests my students might have. I am trained in the Taubman piano technique, which focuses on healthy, effective motions, so I try to incorporate some elements of that in my teaching, to the extent
that I think a particular student will benefit from it.

As for methods: for beginning and intermediate piano students I tend to use the Faber Piano Adventures series, supplemented by additional exercise books (Dozen a Day, for example), simple classical pieces (Bastien publishes a book that I like), or other materials depending on the student's interest and level of achievement (pop, Broadway, etc.). For advanced students I would use different exercise books (Hanon, Czerny, etc.) and focus more on repertoire than method, continuing to teach theory and technique as it comes up.

For vocal students I have mostly stuck to whatever materials/repertoire the student was most interested in, plus vocal exercises to support any problems or challenges they might be working on (e.g., range, vowel formation, learning a healthy mix/belt technique).

ents at any level, even if you have never picked up an instrument before. I can work with you and get you on the path to being the kind of musician you want to be.

*** Lesson Details ***
I custom tailor my lessons to meet a students individual needs. I am a serious teacher, but I am a laid back person. I am easy going, but I will make sure you learn what you need to learn. I can guarantee after 4 or 5 lessons with me, you will have tripled your knowledge of chords, scales, technique, and song repertoire. I am very patient and am happy to work with students of all ages and skill levels.

I encourage mid to upper level students to bring in CD's or email an MP3/YouTube link of songs they want to learn (if they are at the right level) and I will transcribe them on the spot and go through them with you step by step.

If you want to learn how to play all your favorite songs, I am the teacher for you. I won't make you play music you aren't really interested in, but I will make recommendations for songs to improve your playing and include music theory so that you understand what you are playing and why you are playing it. The point of playing music is to HAVE FUN, after all.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender Blues Jr. III guitar amp, Vintage Gallien Kreuger guitar amp, Carvin/Peavey Bass amp, Epiphone 1 x 12 guitar amp, custom thin line telecaster, custom solid body telecaster, vintage synsonic electric guitar, breedlove acoustic guitar, Tacoma acoustic bass, Schecter stiletto 5 string electric bass, Ibanez soundgear 5 string bass, custom stratocaster, vintage synsonic single coil guitar, 5 string banjo, , Diamond Head tenor ukulele, u-king soprano banjolele , M-Audio oxygen 8 midi controller, Blue Mic USB microphone, Eurorack mixer, shure microphone, 2011 Macbook pro w/ Sibelius, Pro Tools, Garage Band, Reason. Full lutherie shop equipped to do custom builds, guitar set-ups, mods.

*** Specialties ***
Picked and fingerstyle acoustic or electric guitar, Fingerstyle or picked bass guitar, ukulele, improvisation, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Hip-Hop, Bossa, recording, lutherie, etc.

eed, I believe that students should work at their own pace with their teacher giving them continuous guidance and support while setting goals. By setting attainable short and long-term goals, students succeed, gain positive energy, and continuously improve. In giving students space, this method encourages vital components: independence, responsibility, and curiosity.

While achieving goals, students gain confidence and perhaps take joy in the small details of music and life - hopefully passing to others this wholistic ideology.