Wilmington 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).

working together to turn musical fantasies into realities.

From grade school to high school I took rigorous classical piano lessons. In 2006-07 I attended two summer programs at Berklee College of Music where I studied jazz/rock performance, and continued to study jazz piano at Washington University.

At Boston University, I studied classical music composition/theory, and was accepted to for a dual degree in Music Composition, Psychology, but decided to pursue music as a minor in order to allow more time for gigging. Since relocating to Boston, I have performed 250+ shows in various ensembles around the greater Boston area.

*** Lesson Details ***
As your private instructor, I am here to give you the most rewarding, interesting, and enjoyable lessons in the UNIVERSE. My lessons are are catered to your specific goals and where you are at, beginner to advance, 5-1000 years old. I am here to get you to where you want to go, whether that's taking up a new hobby or becoming a virtuoso. Together, we will do it!

In our lessons we will work on:

- Your favorite songs, any style
- Writing your own music
- How to learn music by ear
- How to read music notation and chord sheets.
- How to record/produce yourself
- really, seriously, ANYTHING YOU WANT!

I know what it's like to have a teacher that is uninspiring, or to be told that a certain kind of music is the "right kind to learn," when all you want to do is jam out to your favorite songs on the radio. I've been there. That's not what I'm about. I'll teach you how to play whatever it is you want to learn, whether that's the complete works of Bach or the latest One Direction song. Let's do it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Digital Piano, Synthesizer, Digital Audio Workstation, Recording Equipment.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Piano and voice students must provide piano/keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
My experience is primarily with pop/rock/jazz/classical music, but we can do any genre/style you'd like!

of Music where he obtained his BA in Music Performance. While attending Berklee Carl explored Contemporary Drum Set styles within various ensembles and classes, focusing on Jazz, Latin, Funk, Fusion, and World Music, under the apprenticeship of artists such as Kenwood Dennard, Ian Froman, Jon Hazilla, Nancy Zeltsman, Casey Scheuerell.
Carl currently teaches at Needham Public Schools as well as the Winchester Community Music School, and performs in and around Boston and New England in various stylistic musical groups ranging from small Combo Jazz, Big Band, Folk, Funk, Indie Rock, Theatre, etc. Some latest projects include ‘Echo and Drake’ who were ​featured in ‘Paste’ and ‘American Songwriter’ Magazines, ‘Zen Carnival’, Mamadou(.com) to name a few.

Carl’s role as a teacher is to create as much of a positive blend of education with an exciting musical environment, incorporating the latest contemporary music (student and teacher influenced) while also applying a broad scope of traditional styles, techniques, and exercises for developing a well-rounded musical experience and musician, and with the goal of assisting the student in reaching their highest potential and​ to​ become as self-reliant as possible.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Depending on which town, I could travel up to 20-25 miles because in some cases those locations maybe near other places i currently teach...

*** Specialties ***
Drum Set Technique, Coordination, Styles, Improvisation.
Snare Drum Reading & Hand Technique

edge of the subject rather than just learning to play. I have high expectations for my students, yet I am patient and understanding. At times lessons may be challenging, but they will also be fun!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the students to have a keyboard/piano appropriate to their level of playing for us to have our lesson on. I will provide any books or supplementary material that may be needed. Any books purchased specifically for that student will need to be reimbursed.

*** Specialties ***
Teaching young beginners and elementary age children.

the MMEA All-States Festival, the MMEA Northeast Senior District Festival, the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestra, and the CJMEA Elementary Honors Orchestra (in New Jersey via online lessons).

Darren studied privately with world-renowned double bass musicians including Lawrence Wolfe, assistant principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Robert Black, founding member of the New York City-based contemporary ensemble, Bang On A Can.

Darren is a bass teaching artist for El Sistema Somerville, an after-school orchestra program that empowers all students to become confident, engaged learners through rigorous, daily instruction in music ensembles and also provides the Somerville community with equitable access to musical excellence.

Darren is also currently on Harvard's Office For The Arts' reference list which is a compilation of instructors who teach Harvard students. The listing is considered a starting point reference to Harvard students looking for quality music instructors in the Boston area and, in some cases, are awarded stipends to study with Darren.

Darren writes articles and publishes his own insightful articles related to practicing the double bass.

with bands around the northeast U.S., & have performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Nona Hendryx, Simon Shaheen, & Richard Devine. In the past 6 years, I've performed in 8 countries - USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, & Ghana.

he same time. I hope my student to love music instead of just playing the music.