Watertown Music Lessons

guitar, voice training and live performance.

Along with his own private teaching practice Billy also has taught at Governor’s Academy (Byfield), Music Makers (Hampton NH) and is current the guitar and voice teacher at National Music (Woburn).

*** Lesson Details ***
Identify your goals and take over the world! Educate and motivate!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a recording studio in my home.

*** Specialties ***
Blues, Rock, Contemporary Pop, Jazz, Funk

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).

nterested in exploring. I am also able to provide a solid foundation of proper breath management, vocal exercises focusing on pitch and technique, and sight-reading. My goal is for you to be able to thoroughly develop your skills as a singer and performer!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am laid-back but hardworking and expect an equal level of commitment from my students. I am primarily interested in teaching beginner-intermediate level pupils. Prospective students can expect to start each lesson with vocal exercises focusing on breath support, posture and pitch. Any professional performer understands the importance of warming up prior to performing! Once properly warmed up, you give your voice the range and flexibility it needs to sing beautifully and effectively! I encourage note-taking as well as recording the lessons either on cassette or even your cellphone to assist in practicing on your own between lessons. Depending on my students level of experience, I will then decide which songs to work on that would best fit your range and area of interest. Once a certain amount of progress has been made I will open the doors to my students deciding on songs they'd like to work on specifically as well. After 3-6 months, I would anticipate my students to be able to effectively warm-up their voices on their own through exercises we will have covered, at least a basic understanding of how to sight-read your melody and certainly have a handful of songs memorized and ready to add to your repertoire!

*** Studio Equipment ***
living room portable keyboard seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I would bring my keyboard to each lesson unless one was provided (tuned pianos are okay as well). I would also bring music and texts that I would find beneficial to each particular student. I would expect my student to provide a journal to take notes and track progress. Also, though not necessary in all cases, I would expect my student to have sheet music for songs they're interested in learning as well as CD/cassette/MP3/etc. of songs they're interested in learning.

*** Specialties ***
I would start with a foundation of proper warm-ups, breathing techniques, and vocal exercises with me accompanying on piano. We would then spend the second half of the lesson working on songs primarily of my students choosing. I would be comfortable with just about any genre thus being able to cater to each one of my student's unique areas of interest.

or one student may prove to be frustrating and confusing to another. My mission is to meet you at your experience level and gently lead you to a higher understanding of music. In our first lesson together, we will discuss your goals and how we can meet them.

I offer recording services as well. I have the necessary gear and several years of experience recording various types of ensembles. Have a melody but no harmony? Let's find the chords the melody is asking for. Have chords but no melody? Let's find the melody that conveys the mood you're trying to create. Have an already existing song that you want to work on? Let's tighten it up in lessons and cut a demo of it.

This education is yours. I want you to get the absolute most out of your experience with me. If I seem like I'd be a good fit as your teacher, sign up for some lessons. I promise a fun and rewarding experience.

Best,
Sean

. Soon after, he was one of the first students to receive a full scholarship to Berklee through the African Scholars program. In 2009, he settled in Boston, Massachusetts.

At Berklee, he was exposed to a variety of influences, but wanted to go deeper into the roots of jazz and expand his knowledge of music. He auditioned and was selected to participate in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute, which is directed by Danilo Perez and the residency teachers, including Joe Lovano John Patitucci, and Terri Lyne Carrington. The Institute emphasizes an artist's original vision in jazz, and has helped Albino find his own unique voice in the art form.

Albino still felt the absence of his own Mozambican traditions in his music. With the help of his mentors, Richard Bona and Lionel Loueke, two of the most prominent African musicians in the United States of America today, he began to bridge that gap.

Today, Albino's music succeeds in combining many disparate parts into an organic whole. It incorporates his musical experiences from Mozambique, the U.S., and many other places around the world, combining rhythmic patterns and musical concepts to create a unique Moz-Jazz sound. He will always continue to combine and capture the energies of different musical traditions to create a unified and original musical style.

Albino's original composition “Mozambique Dance” was recorded by Jazz Revelation Records, a student-run record label at the Berklee College of Music, for the 8th annual album released in 2011. He also recorded “Awusiwana,” his own composition, for the Berklee 2012 summer album. His debut album, also called Mozambique Dance, is to be released in Spring 2013.

Albino is an active musician, and has performed in several countries including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, the U.S., and Mexico. He has also produced and recorded various projects in Mozambique and in the United States. In 2012, he will graduate from Berklee College with a degree in Music Production & Engineering and Performance, and a minor in Acoustics and Electronics.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching method dependent on the type of student. All my students will be treated with care and commitment to help them archive the their goals in the lessons.
We will be using book method as a way to follow a clear direction.
Learn songs, chords, scales, phrase, theory and more material that is needed for better musical foundation.

I am open to what the student wants to achieve over short and long terms.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Desk top and Laptop Mac Computers
Protools, Logic Pro, reason
Focusrite 56 Liquide, Focusrite Dual Mono Mic pre
BBe Maximizer
Bricasti, M7, sterreo reverb

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar
Guitar Amp
Mic
Laptop
Mbox

*** Specialties ***
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Voice
Ukelele
Song writing
Production
Audio Recording
Mixing
Mastering

am Stewart Concerto Competition, winner of the 2011 Manilow Soloist Competition, and featured soloist at the Huron Valley Council for the Arts Recital. Jessica has performed with the Ithaca New Music Collective, Ithaca College Contemporary Ensemble, Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, and the Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble.

When not making music and teaching, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and her small pups, Lyla and Luna. She enjoys crafting, hiking, reading, and discovering.

With over ten years of experience, teaching is one of Jessica's greatest passions as a musician. She believes that private lessons are one of the best ways to enrich the learning of music. Her lessons provide a completely individualized session focused on expression, confidence, technique, and an overall love of music.

Jessica offers lessons for all ages and abilities in 30-min, 45-min, or 60-min lessons. Please contact Jessica for rates and scheduling.

tutor, and a teacher. I currently teach private violin and viola lessons. I also tutor students for writing, reading, and organizational skills.

ements of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring and other 20th centurty classical works. Braddock leads an eight-piece electric guitar ensemble that plays his original compositions. He has twice been featured in Guitar Player Magazine.

Nathaniel teaches privately, at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and was head of the Chicago Waldorf School’s guitar program from 2005-12. OTS classes include African Guitar Styles, Fingerpicking Around The World, Fingerboard Theory, and British Folk Revival. He periodically offers more specialized fingerstyle guitar classes such as The Songs Of Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake, Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Davy Graham, John Fahey and Bert Jansch. His ensembles include Reggae, Afropop, Instrumental Rock, and “Kill Yr Idols”–a survey of influential punk and underground rock. Nathaniel also teaches fingerstyle, theory, songwriting, jazz, classical, and rock guitar privately. Braddock also offers workshops and masterclasses in Europe and N. America on African popular guitar styles and is a guest lecturer at Northwestern University. Braddock has co-presented workshops with Ghanaian Palm Wine guitarist Koo Nimo, and Tinariwen guitarist Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, and Malian sensation Sidi Toure.

Asia tour. Since 2011 she is Vice President of the Musical Association "Alfred Cortot", founded with the aim of spreading the classical music in all its aspects, with special reference to the education of young people, and she has been the Artistic Director of the Accademia Musicale Varesina, the concert series "The Schubertiades of the Lake" and "Note di Lago" and the Caraglio International Piano Competition for about ten years, until she moved in United States in 2016. Her students are regularly awarded top prizes (more than 100 prizes) in National and International Music Competitions in Italy and abroad. She performed in Belgium (Chateau de Cheneau), in France (Salle Cortot, Auditorium Paul Langevin), in Italy - “Musica in Castello” Festival (PC), Salone Estense, Villa Pirelli, Villa Motta (VA), Turin Conservatory, S. Sebastiano da Po Castle (TO), Fazioli Showroom, Teatro delle Erbe (MI), Caraglio Teatro Civico, Filatoio Rosso (CN), Casa della Musica (PR) - and she had her debut in the United States (Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York). Recently she performed for Senator Thad Cochran in a private event, in Chautauqua (Marshall Studios) and with the Austin Symphony Orchestra in Austin (MN). Her upcoming performances include her debut in Madison (WI) for the "Salon Piano Series", her return in Savannah (GA) with a recital for the Armstrong Atlantic State University and her debut in Canada for MitBravour Concerts Series. Paola has also worked as artistic director and music critic for several recording companies. Paola lives in Boston, MA, with her husband, pianist Roberto Plano, and their three daughters.