Sterling Heights, MI Piano Lessons

e his/her own instrument, so they can practice regularly.

*** Specialties ***
Gospel, Classical, Pop, Inspirational, Sacred, Wedding, etcetera

world.
From 2002 – 2005 he was first violinist at Lodz’s Operetta Theater.
I moved to Michigan in 2005, where he performs with Macomb, Jackson and Flat Rock Symphony Orchestras.

*** Lesson Details ***
The most interesting and beneficial thing about performing music is that it is one of the few activities that engages both the left and the right brain at the same time. I believe that every Human Being is precious and deserves to be nurtured and encouraged in a fun and loving environment. With that in mind, my teaching places equal importance on developing strong technique, and developing creativity. Students learn all the basics of music, and also spend time developing strong ensemble skills and strong background knowledge of style and repertoire, so that they can enjoy music in all kinds of settings, all their lives.
Our time spent together will be laid back and comfortable, yet challenging because that is probably why you want to take lessons.
Each lesson will conclude with an assignment of instrumental pieces/songs given to work on throughout the week—usually 2-3 short songs for 30-minute lessons, and 1-2 longer instrumental pieces for an hour-long lesson. These will be the same pieces we have worked on during the lesson time, so you will go home with the knowledge you need to master each piece. Music theory sheets and technique exercises will also be included in the assignments.
Within 6 months, you will begin discovering how to read music and understand the language of it. You will learn how to play some of your favorite songs/instrumental pieces and learn some that you might not know. We'll discover what you really want to learn and achieve through taking lessons, and we will work toward those goals!
Discipline is vital to musical progress and daily practice is strongly urged, in order for the student to progress. If a students don't practice, they won't progress. Because of that, you can expect that I will encourage consistent and regular practice, always keeping in mind that the study of music is meant to be fun.
Knowing from experience how "boring" it can be to learn by rote, I combine technical work with fun time playing duets together, improvising, and exploring a wide variety of styles and genres of music.
I would be honored to share my knowledge and love of music with you. Give yourself a priceless gift that will last a lifetime!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Grand Piano /Hammond Organ

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect the student to have their own instrument. I can provide the music stand and I always bring my own instrument so that I can demonstrate during lessons.

*** Specialties ***
Teaching methods: Suzuki and traditional /formal method, in group and one on one settings

cts not directly related to the arts such as Mathematics and Science.

One of the most important aspects of playing Music is being able to Play by Ear. This has been a priceless gift that I have developed throughout my life and I encourage all musicians, young and old, to do the same. The use of simple Rhythmic Dictation and Ear Training exercises can do wonders for "picking out" Beats and Harmonies no matter what Genre we are interested in.

I attended music courses at The Boston School of Contemporary Music, Thomas Jefferson College (MI), and have a BA double majoring in Music Composition and English at Columbia College Chicago.

I have toured internationally as a Guitarist and Saxophonist. I am also a Songwriter. THIRD BORDER's "Sun of Water; Sea of Light" was selected to be nominated for the Grammy's as The Best Alternative Album of the Year in 2006. On this record, I played Guitar, Saxophone, sang Lead Vocal and wrote all Songs on that CD. So, if you are a Songwriter, we can polish up your approach! As a Composer, I have done Sound Design for Film, Dance, Spoken Word and Multi-media Performance - most notably with renowned poet Anne Carson and former members of The Merce Cunningham Dance Co.

I hope to talk to you soon!
Benjamin

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is relaxed with a forte on Patience and Encouragement. Though I have specific expectations on what needs to be learned, I gear each lesson towards the student's wishes and their personal direction in Creativity. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can guide you wherever you are headed!

For Guitar (acoustic or electric), you will learn the fundamentals of Music Theory, Chord Structure, varied Strumming and Picking Techniques, and Scale Positions to travel from one part of the neck to the other. Any song you wish to learn, I can teach!

For Saxophone, you will learn proper Embouchure technique, Notation, Music Theory, and Scale Patterns for improvisation. Whether you are interested in a Classical, Blues, Funk or Jazz approach, I can help you find your own sound that is both personal and professional.

I teach 2nd year Piano and Drums/Percussion directing you into Intermediate level.

For those leaning toward the experimental genres, I am well-versed in the use of Electronics. Much can be accomplished with my lessons on Sound-Scape Improvisation either as 1 on 1 or Group Workshops.

*** Studio Equipment ***
At Home Studio: music stands, metronome, guitar amps, electric and acoustic guitars, guitar tablature, staff music paper, a scanner for weekly homework. I can also record and send MP3s of our lessons to review at home if you wish.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students will need their own instrument, a mutually chosen music book to learn from, a metronome, and hopefully easy access to a keyboard (very helpful!)

*** Specialties ***
I am fluent in Rock genres, Blues, Beginning Jazz, Beginning Classical technique, Prepared Guitar, Electronics/Sound Art.

use a variety of curriculum, which includes classical, broadway, some pop, new age, and jazz. After 3 to 6 months you will have a basic understanding of your instrument and will be ready to take off! I do ask students to keep track of your practicing so you can see your progress.

For piano:
I use the Alfred Basic Books for beginners and then we move to the Keith Snell books along with other supplemental books. If a student already is using a book, generally we will finish that book up so they won't have to purchase another set of books.

For Saxophone and Clarinet:
I use the Rubank books along with other supplemental books

For Voice:
I use the 24 Italian Songs and Arias, The Young Singer, and various Broadway books. Any pop music must be purchased by student as there is just way too much to chose from for me to have a lot of it.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home Studio: in living room with 2 pianos at entrance of house. Seating is available as well toys and a table for siblings.

*** Specialties ***
Voice - Classical & Broadway
Piano - classical
Clarinet - classical and pop
Saxophone - classical, pop, and some jazz

l, and one, in particular, has become a music professor at "Berklee School of Music". Another former student plays with the band: "Thirty Seconds To Mars." I have also been able to assist those students who have a desire to introduce vocals while playing their instrument. I am also able to provide personal assistance in songwriting when needed.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am very easy to get along with during lessons, however I can provide extra encouragement and motivation the student needs based on their specific goals for taking lessons, whether it be for personal enjoyment or for the purpose of making music their career. I believe that learning music can be fun even as a serious venture, and therefore I incorporate humor when appropriate. The curriculum I use includes: "Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard" methods for guitar. For Piano I use "Schaum and Thompson" piano methods as well as Hannon for technique. Additionally, I invite students to suggest personal favorite songs of interest of their choosing as a motivational tool to aid them learning from the music that inspires them. I find this very helpful for students in developing a good ear as well as sparking motivation to practice as they learn from their favorite musical artists in addition to learning the fundamentals of the instrument.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide music method books/sheet music etc. Students would need to own and bring their own instrument to lessons. I also provide guitar amplification.

*** Specialties ***
Berklee, Mel Bay, and Hal Leonard blues guitar method's. Schaum piano method. Hannon Technique. Pop, rock and jazz styles.

*** Specialties ***
I have never found a child who couldn't learn music. Obviously, some will learn faster than others, but with the right encouragement and help from their parents, any child can learn to play the violin.

can become independent in their growth and exploration of music, music writing, and music performance.

You will also notice additional subject areas I am available to teach. These subjects are my passion and joy. Should you have questions, message me and I’ll be happy to answer them.