Dobbs Ferry, NY Piano Lessons

asize a strong practice regiment. Your child will understand that while learning music and an instrument can be fun, there will be some work involved if they want to become great. I usually use either the Alfred or Rubank method books to supplement a curriculum that I tailor make for each individual student. Any question or confusion a student has about anything during the lesson will be explained in detail and dealt with until he/she understands the concept. I've had many students pass all levels of the ABRSM and NYSSMA exams as well as receive academic scholarships for musical excellence.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the living room, drums set, piano,

*** Travel Equipment ***
I require that students buy the books I suggest, but if it is necessary, I can provide photocopies of pages from the books that I own. I also require my students to provide all writing equipment.

*** Specialties ***
all methods and styles. I've played clarinet and saxophone for orchestras, symphonic bands, and jazz bands. I've played drums for jazz, rock, and acoustic sets.

o Equipment ***
I have several guitars, a drum kit, djembe, mandolin, clarinet and full-size keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Guitar: Classical, jazz, American or Irish folk, rock and pop; lead or rhythm.
Drums & Percussion: All genres
Piano: Classical (includes sight reading)

ou're interested in playing piano, you will learn how to read music and/or play by ear. You'll learn scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading, and basic music theory. For singers who are interested in piano, I've developed a great technique to teach you how to accompany yourself.

For songwriters, I can help you write stronger lyrics and set them to music appropriately.

In general, I'm pretty upbeat and fun. However, I expect you to practice. When you practice, you hear and feel the difference and everyone's happy! If you don't practice, you'll remain in the same place, and it's frustrating for everyone. :( Please, please, please practice! :)

My degree in music education and wide range of experience allows me to accommodate different learning styles. I have a knack for breaking down seemingly difficult or mysterious concepts in a way that's easy to understand. I also understand the demands of being a full time musician, and can offer advice to students who are interested in going that route.

I would love to help you enhance your enjoyment of music by making it fun and easy for you to learn!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano
Yamaha keyboard
Music Stand
Full length mirror
Library of great music
Music theory workbooks
Manuscript paper

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, R&B, Musical Theater, Gospel, Pop

up and shine to be the musician you are!

Lastly, I am very flexible. I will try my best to make lessons that will not strain any schedule.

makes music colorful and beautiful. You are welcome to listen to some of my recordings at https://soundcloud.com/david-shimoni-piano. I believe that the goal of musicians should be to attune our inner ears to the music behind the notes that sit on a page before us and then let that music flow through us. We all hear different qualities in the notes, but as long as we honestly try to get inside the notes before we touch our instrument, we can all make beautiful music.

TECHNIQUE
Once we have an idea of the way we want the music to sound, we need technique to produce those sounds. Early in my training, I experienced discomfort from the poor way in which I was playing. As a result, I had to retrain myself completely. I was fortunate enough to find three teachers of the Taubman Approach who helped me to understand the connections between playing in a coordinated way and playing beautifully. As a result of having made many mistakes myself and then overcoming them, I have developed the ability to see what is holding back my students and to help them find better ways of approaching the piano.

MATERIALS
The best music for students is the music that motivates them to practice. That said, at certain times, I think some pieces will help a student get to the next level, and others will only tie the student in knots. I have taught a lot of repertoire in a variety of styles. I can give students at any level music that is appropriate for them. I am also always eager to work on music that my students bring me.

To give students skills that directly apply to their playing, I also incorporate theory, ear training, sight reading, and scales into lessons.

INSTRUMENT
Although I have no qualms about teaching students who have electric keyboards, acoustic instruments give better aural feedback to pianists about the health of their technique. At least once a week I make sure my students get to play on an instrument that responds to their efforts with a beautiful sound: either my own 1913 Steinway B, or one of a variety of good grand pianos at the midtown studio where I teach.

PRACTICE METHODS
Students can expect to learn a lot in their lessons, but lessons usually only happen once a week. The quality and quantity of the student’s practice the rest of the week is critical. At each point in the process of learning a piece, there are different practice methods that help a pianist get to the next step. I think I can see where students are in the learning process and can guide their practice so that their time spent at home is optimized.

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Many students enjoy playing music for themselves, but when they are asked to play for others, the joy of the experience turns into fear of embarrassment. There is no quick and easy solution to performance anxiety, but having worked through it in hundreds of performances, I can say there are certainly ways to reduce it and even make performing joyful. Understanding that playing for others is an experience of sharing, not “impressing,” and practicing in a way that helps one to see, hear, and feel the music the instant before one plays it are at the core of my method.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
I teach children and adult students. I do not force anyone to perform, though I encourage it. I am a member of two associations of independent piano teachers that sponsor recitals and competitions for my young students. My adult students and I usually get together at my apartment twice a year for a piano-food-fest.

FLEXIBILITY
Ultimately, there is no single way to teach all students. Students come to me with different degrees of musical training, physical awareness and dexterity, musical tastes, discipline, and patience. It is my job to figure out what will light each student’s fire and help them to practice through their challenges so that they can enjoy the beautiful and all-consuming experience of making music.

I invite you to try a lesson.

orchestrations, and in some cases private lessons via video call.

Please contact me with any questions you have! Thank you.

e encouraged to strengthen their skills through finger exercises, learning scales and chord progressions, and etudes.

in the 2015 Lamont School of Music Jazz Honors Chamber Competition.