Astoria, NY Songwriting Lessons

artistic expression, interpretation, breathing, and finger and pitch placement techniques are incorporated into my music instruction. Cold reading, audition preparation and technique, Shakespeare, scene analysis, and business strategies are examples of topics that may be covered in acting instruction. Linklater (voice), Alexander, Williamson (movement), and Art of Practicing (piano) methods are also employed.

What are the profiles of my students?
My students come from different walks of life: children coming from school who bound excitedly to my lesson door; teenage artists who have the passion and vision but lack the technique; working adults who seek reprieve from the stress of work by singing/ learning an instrument that they've always wanted to play; and seniors who want a fun hobby to keep active. I enjoy teaching them and watching them master the fundamentals while developing their own performance style (or even composing their own music)!

What is my teaching style?
Based on feedback, students appreciate that I am a teacher with a warm personality whose supportive, passionate, and fun approach and effective techniques help them attain the following: 1) a firm understanding of the fundamentals of music theory or acting technique; 2) an ability to effectively learn how to perform and practice singing/playing/acting a piece; and 3) a style of performing that minimizes tension, produces beautiful sound or a dynamic character, and/or allows them to fully express themselves. After a few months, students should have sound knowledge of all three.

My students and I connect, in part, because I remember being like them. On stage, I started out dancing and acting; I delved into singing and songwriting and then fell in love with playing the piano. The day that I learned how to merge those passions (i.e. singing while playing the piano) was one of the happiest days of my life! Now, whether I'm performing Shakespeare on stage, playing Chopin and Beethoven, or singing while playing tunes by Whitney Houston, I still get excited. Hopefully, I fuel that excitement in you, too!

What is the lesson structure?
Due to the comprehensive nature of my teaching style and structure, students above the age of 6 take lessons for 60 minutes; 30-minute lessons are only available for children aged 5-6. If a student wants to learn how to play while singing, I am happy to help him/her do so!

*** Studio Equipment ***
My studio location in Manhattan is conveniently near Midtown, Chelsea, Flat Iron, Murray Hill, Union Square, Tribeca, and the Financial District in particular and is easily accessible via public transportation. It houses an upright piano and seating for parents.

*** Specialties ***
Acting: Meisner Acting; Theater Acting; Shakespearean Acting
Music: Classical Piano; Contemporary R&B & Pop Piano; Singing; Theory; Playing Whie Singing; Songwriting

***Pricing***

Thirty minute rates are for younger students only. Adult students are required to book 60 minute lessons.

raduate from the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music. Currently, I'm completing my Master's Degree at Hunter College in Manhattan in Music Education while maintaining a flexible schedule as to accommodate new students.

*** Lesson Details ***
I maintain a fun, understanding, patient, and straightforward approach to help you play what you want, while building essential techniques and skills using music of your choosing. In younger students this often perpetuates enthusiasm and develops taste. I also tutor music theory, composition, and/or songwriting, and upon request, will bring those skill sets into the lesson curriculum. I prefer to come to you, but am willing to host and have before. I will produce additional references and a resume upon request. If you commit to practicing and your lesson curriculum, you can expect noticeable improvement and a solid base of knowledge and essential skills, achieved through the music you love.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano; Fender Hot Rod 40W Tube Amp; Acoustic 15 W Solid State; Yamaha USB compatible keyboard; 5.1 surround sound with 40" monitor; Mac Mini; Multiple electric and acoustic guitars; USB Condenser Mic, Garageband and Logic Studio; Intel iMac; Buffet Tenor Saxophone, Yamaha Y-62 Alto Saxophone, Bundy II Alto Saxophone for rent

*** Travel Equipment ***
I have my own instrument, tuner, cables, etc. I generally expect my students to provide their own instrument, and be willing to purchase a few basic materials (book for lesson entries, one other instructional book). I'm a minimalist when it comes to this. I am always willing to consult on instruments, materials, or anything other query's you may have outside lessons, via phone or e-mail.

*** Specialties ***
As per my degree, I am especially knowledgeable regarding popular music, rock and roll, and jazz. I hold student recitals every year and I've had many students perform, as well as write their own music and gain a solid knowledge of beginner music theory. My education and experience have been comprehensive, and I am versatile within all genres of music.

pel church, living in a building filled with musicians, accompanying vocal master classes, studying Sanskrit, Indian raga, world percussion, creative arts therapy and performance wellness.

I now compose and sing my songs - interweaving voice with keyboard or guitar. Besides teaching privately, I can be found performing my songs in clubs, outdoor festivals, coffee houses, and poetry/healing events. I currently attended a certificate program in sound & music healing and the focus of my music rests here. I incorporate many techniques to aid students in relaxation, breath awareness, and de-stressing.

Using traditional teaching methods, I create meaningful experiences for students by:
- being patient, flexible and creative in approach
- using visual, aural, and tactile teaching tools

*** Lesson Details ***
After 3 to 6 Months OF Lessons, you can use the important music fundamentals you've learned to create music you love.
After about a year, you are invited to share your music with others in an intimate family recital or a performance for charity in service to your community!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano, piano synthesizer, guitar, percussion instruments

*** Travel Equipment ***
Carolyn carries her own guitar, teaching aids, manuscript paper, pen/pencils, and handouts.

Recommended for students:
KEYBOARD - ideally, have your own keyboard/piano, piano books, staff paper
ACOUSTIC UKULELE/GUITAR - your own guitar, capo, tuner, staff & TAB paper (you can wait for teacher to help you choose)
VOICE - have sheet music, lyrics or charts of your songs
SONGWRITING - have manuscript paper, recording device and journal/tablets to record their ideas
ALL STUDENTS - small tablet for notes & keeping track of assignments and a recording device to hear your playing/singing/compositions (optional)

*** Specialties ***
Performing Singer-Songwriter specializing in improvisation and Sound & Music Healing.

elPriora, chair of the Guitar Department at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a master degree in composition. His mentors include composers Susan Botti, Reiko Fueting, and electronic music pioneer Joel Chadabe. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida, where he studied jazz guitar with Tom Lippincott, and composition with Susan Epstein-Garcia.

Juan is also an avid cartoonist, collector of rare books and little cars, food adventurer and runner.

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar teaching encompasses many disciplines. One has to be a bit of a psychologist in order to gauge a potential student needs and musical sensibilities. The mathematical aspect of musical notation and rhythm makes us part mathematicians. In the end, there is also a self-actualizing aspect to guitar teaching in the sense that we are always witness to those moments that made us decide a career on music.
During my years of guitar teaching I have encountered many types of students, and I have learned from them as much as they have learned from me as they make me question aspects of music that I would have never thought about. I have learned to not take for granted the definition of concepts such as rhythm and harmony, and to look at guitar technique from different perspectives as I find ways to accommodate to a student’s capabilities. Ultimately, it is also a job that requires a lot of planning and structure. My first step, generally, is to assess the student’s ability and interest to find material suitable for them. Then, I proceed to familiarize with the student’s musical tastes and sensibilities to assign practice material accordingly. For example, if the student is interested in rock or pop music, we will work on a particular song that fits his level and also solves a particular technical problem. During that process I will answer any of the student’s questions, and provide insight into musical terminology. We will also work on basic concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony. My training as a composer and jazz guitarists also enables me to tap into the student’s creative side. In that case, we would start with a basic blues progression and blues scales, and work on the basics of improvisation or songwriting.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ small keyboard, amp, acoustic guitar, 3 electric guitars, music books w/ seating for parents and lots of magazines!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music sheets, students should have an instrument, tuner, paper, pencil, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach fundamentals of music theory, principles of jazz improvisation, classical guitar technique and repertoire, song writing, pop songs, sight reading, and overall musicianship, as well as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Bossa Nova, and other Latin Styles.

nd confidence to achieve their goals. I empathize deeply with the challenges students may face when pursuing a life in the creative and performing arts, having worked professionally in those areas for most of my adult life. I believe, it is the teacher's job to respect each student's individual process of learning.
My students have gone on to become recording artists, Broadway performers, movie actors, Blues and cabaret artists, and published writers.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice
I am an empathetic teacher, sensitive to the student's individual process of learning. My singing lessons usually start with breathing and relaxation exercises. Vocal technique exercises come next. When the student is fully warmed up, we will begin to work on songs. It is important that students be a part of the process of picking material since the more personally they respond to the material the more apt they are to become engaged in their lessons. After three to six months beginning students will have gained an understanding of the fundamentals of breathing, relaxation, and basic performance skills. With more advanced students the focus will be on range extension and the on-going development of vocal style through song interpretation and performance related exercises.
Acting
As an acting teacher and coach, I tailor my classes to the needs of each student. I utilize improvisatory and sensory techniques to help unleash spontaneity. I also encourage the students to use their personal experiences as a way to access a full range of emotions. I enjoy working with the student on script analysis, so as to discover the underlying motivations of the character the student is working on.
Creative and Lyric Writing
I use prompts as a way to get the student writing. Often, I will ask the student to write for stretches of time without editing themselves. It is important to unleash imagination before beginning the process of editing. Many times it is the unexpected that is the most compelling.

*** Studio Equipment ***
home- 10 minutes away from Manhattan with piano, seating for parents
-practice studio seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide a piano, cd/mp3 player and an large library of songbooks to work from. The student should bring sheet music of songs they want to work on and a recording device.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in teaching how to sing rock, pop, musical theater, jazz, and blues without hurting the voice as well as method acting instruction.

de myself on being very open minded in terms of musical taste. Never apologize for liking what you like! I bet there is something in that music which is great. I can't wait to learn something from the music you introduce to me.

I be glad to provide a full resume to anyone who requests it.

*** Lesson Details ***

My most important goal for each student is that they get to where they want to be musically.

I want the student to be able to play the way he or she wants to play. If you want to learn to play one song, that is great! If you want to learn to play one classical etude that is just as great! If you want to learn how to play in a salsa band, bravo! I treat the desires of my students as my curriculum. Each student will receive special prep time from me each week. I pride myself in taking the time and energy to prepare for each meeting. Every time you complete a lesson, it is my hope that you are walking away as a better musician.

In the beginning I hope to find what will musically interests you the most. Usually, you might have a goal that requires you to play on a higher level than you do presently. If that is true, we might take some time to figure out a road map to get you to that place. Along the way, I'm sure you and I will learn many new concepts and techniques that aid you in becoming the bassist/musician you want to be.

And rest assured, the teacher always learns from the student...this is the best part of teaching: learning from the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Studio: 3 electric basses, plenty of amps and chords, one acoustic bass, piano, ukulele, guitar, computer playback and recording.

*** Travel Equipment ***
As requested

*** Specialties ***
I have been lucky to play tons of different types of music. I believe I can give musicians and aspiring musicians a deep understanding of what is most important in many different styles of music. Music I have been lucky enough to study and play professionally: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Classical, Pop.
I'm also a very good transcriber, so if there is a song you heard on the radio we can definitely play it! Ear training could be an area in which I could be of service to you as well.
I have many arranging and composing credits and I would be glad to help students in this area whenever requested.

cupy Olympus, performed by Magis Theatre Company at Flamboyan Theatre, New York International Fringe Festival in 2013.