Westborough, MA Piano 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).

possesses both beautiful vocal abilities and perfect pitch , although she has never had a chance to develop her natural gifts any further. But I have heard my mother singing, and these moments remain one of the most touching and impressive musical experiences, that I have ever received, and remember to this very day.
Only after a considerable life experiences, abound of trials and mistakes, at the age of twenty five, I have come to a clear realization, that music remains my greatest passion, and that I would have to become a professional musician. With help and support of friends and colleagues, I have entered Community College in Soroki city, Moldova Republic, where I have studied Choral Conducting for Amateurs. I have graduated from school in May of 1988, having written a few instrumental and vocal compositions of my own, and, quite unexpectedly for myself, was invited, that summer, to visit Moldova State Conservatory, with the prospect of audition for the Composition Major. After the meeting with the Chair of the Department, I was offered an opportunity to be accepted to the Master Degree Program in Composition, provided I will have completed two years of preliminary studies of Music Theory, Music Harmony/Voice Leading, and many other related disciplines.
Why do I bring all of these facts to this Essay? I know for the fact now, that I was not ready for what was awaiting ahead of me, back then. There was no way, that I could cope with the demands of Composition Program curriculum. But I have had love for music, that my parents have implemented in me throughout my childhood; I have had natural abilities, that Heavens supplied me with: and I have had a chance to make my dream a reality, providing I do everything that I will have to, during the following years of struggles and study.
The decision was made, and my studies have begun. I have come through every mistake, defeat, and mind-barriers imaginable, and if it would not be a continuous stream of professional help and support, that I have received from my numerous teachers, mentors, and professors, along the years of study, my goals could never be attained to any modest, but real degree.
Whenever I have a chance to teach, tutor, or assist other musicians with their study, my past experience always reminds me, that any person may experience some difficulties of various nature with the learning material, from time to time, and that those difficulties should be addressed by student's teacher with the highly individual approach, however time-and effort-consuming it may be. Patience and respect, in regard to the students, have become as important aspects of teaching to me, as those of discipline and professionalism.
My studies have come to an end; I see now, that the world of music is an endless entity, for it has no boundaries, and we all have to maintain our further progress, in order to move to our chosen destinations, and to help others with their own advancements.

Sincerely
Vasiliy M.

*** Lesson Details ***
I would be more than willing to assist my prospective students with their various musical endeavors, and people's willingness to either play music instruments,take voice lessons, or to study Music Theory/ Musicianship disciplines will serve us as a starting point for our work. Through the diligent preliminary talk we will discuss various aspects of interest that my students have developed in relation to music, so we could plan and design our future lessons according to an initial discussion. My job and responsibility will be to make an intelligent assessment of my students' natural abilities for the given subject of study, to create vigorous learning atmosphere during our meetings, and to give my students professional instructions to the best of my humble abilities, for the benefits of their musical , aesthetic, and personal development. I will encourage my students to learn as much as they can, at the given moment, but I will not ever attempt to exceed people's natural capabilities. Participation in Music with love and fun should be as rewarding and valuable to the music amateur, as professional performing career ( with its highly demanding standards) stands for classically trained musicians. During our study sessions, we will work upon the goals and tasks that we have discussed at the beginning of our meetings. My ultimate goal as a teacher was and will always be to help my students discover and bring forward their best creative potentials through the intensive musical studies and practice, and, at the same time, to favor heir initial interest's transformation into a deep, serious passion.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living Room, Italian keyboard Real Piano PRO 2

*** Travel Equipment ***
Honda Insight 2011

*** Specialties ***
As a Bass - player, I have been performing in Big-Band Orchestras, Jazz Sextets, Quartets, Trios, Duos.
I was also a Progressive-Rock Band Bass-Player.
John Pretlor Band, (R&B style, Soft Jazz) hired me, as a Bass Player, before I went to Mannes College, to study Composition.

Music Theory - wise, I have taught Fundamentals of Music, Elementary Music, Music Theory I, II, Keyboard Harmony, Music Analysis, Post-Tonal Theory.

Please feel free to get in touch and ask questions!

The review posted on my profile was from when I used my English name, Ricky.

than 30 years, I am currently the Director of Worship for the chapel at Gordon College, a small Christian school north of Boston. I'm often involved in city-wide music events in Boston’s faith-based community and in demand as a featured musician for church services, parties, concerts and other events.

I hold a Masters of Music from New England Conservatory in Jazz Piano and am comfortable and fluent in a number of musical styles. In addition to private lessons and performing, I do music transcription, workshops, and all forms of vocal and instrumental arranging. My passions include morning coffee, finding new guitar chords, creating killer PowerPoint presentations, and trying to figure out how to use my smart phone.

*** Lesson Details ***
My priority as a teacher is to make the learning process fun, life-giving, and productive. I teach with patience and humor, at a challenging but not frustrating pace.

Some quotes from my students:
"I absolutely love learning from Bil! I've watched my playing and the playing of others at church vastly improve as a result of his training."

"[Bil] is filled with a large amount of knowledge, so while sitting under him you not only learn about how to play but you learn about music history and theory. Beyond being a good teacher he is genuine and friendly and cares about others."

"I have really enjoyed working with Bil. His patience and wealth of knowledge has helped me come out of my musical shell and has encouraged me to discover my musical voice."

"Bil makes learning theory fun! His deep understanding of music is complemented by his contagious enthusiasm."

"Bil has taken me to a different level. I went from tab and basic guitar chords, to building jazz chords and a far greater understanding of music theory."

There are at least two ways that might set me apart from other teachers.

Firstly, I have honed and developed "people skills". I am an ordained minister and have held positions where I was formally and informally in a mentoring/pastoring role. I bring that sensitivity to my music lessons, understanding that personal and emotional issues can be triggered by the engagement with the music and skills being worked on.

Secondly, I've had a remarkable broad base of experience. My coursework has exposed me to a wide breadth of ideas and tools; my work life has been long and varied; I have had extensive experience in many different cultural contexts, both musically and otherwise; and I work well with many age groups and skill levels.

Regarding my teaching approach:
For beginners, I have a fairly consistent set of topics and skill sets to cover. Generally, in a few months, piano students (particularly those in middle school through adulthood) should know how to play major, minor and seventh chords, how to read simple chord charts and some very basic accompanying skills. Guitar students should know a dozen open chords and have been introduced to barre chords, and to have learned several styles of finger picking as well as strumming. Bass students should know how to find notes on the board and will have begun to learn how to fill out a song with an expressive but non-obtrusive bass line.

For intermediate students, the pace, direction and focus on lessons depends upon the goals and passions of the student along with the amount of time he or she has to practice. My goals for students at this level and beyond is to learn how to learn. I will use outstanding recorded examples of particular skills or stylistic idioms to help my students understand and master each new concept. I often will check in with my student to make sure that we are on track with what they are hoping for.

For advanced students, we will generally target very specific objectives. I also try to add elements of theory, history, culture, and even life lessons to apply to the topics we address. Because of my background in pastoral ministry, I can serve as a mentor addressing the emotional and relational issues of playing music as well as its technical aspects.

*** Studio Equipment ***
upstairs music room: fender Rhodes piano, keyboards, amps, drum set, seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
if for guitar or bass, that instrument; I expect piano students to have an available keyboard and for other students to have their own instrument(s).

*** Specialties ***
strong in jazz, rock, pop, gospel, sacred, R&B.

hool of Education in order to become a licensed school guidance counselor.

I'm an effective communicator and enthusiastic person and my teaching style is clear, tailored to individual needs, and engaging. I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

rently I teach from my home studio in Boston, and I'm also available to come to your location.

I look forward to helping you reach your goals!

ty and organization is key and I always hold myself responsible.