Grand Island Music Lessons

r of the Actors Studio, the performing unions and have studied since childhood at ACT and then all over the world including The National in London.

For Dance, I have a wide knowledge and can teach several forms as well as history and materials. In Juilliard I specialized in historical dance of the French Court which is also known as pre-ballet. At present I am studying Tango and other ballroom forms and can teach the beginning levels as well as help choreograph for weddings or events. Of course I also teach Ballet and many forms of Modern Dance. I adore teaching dance composition. To help a dance student make their own dances is very fulfilling.
For the Visual Arts I teach Abstract Painting as well as Installation and Performance Art.
*** Studio Equipment ***
I have supplies and space. Visual Art students need to contribute to materials by finding or purchasing whatever they like and adding to the mix. My students are welcome to use what I have here and I am always adding materials. Many people throw away materials that are perfectly good for art making so keep your eyes open and you'll find all kinds of good things. Visual Art students need to book a 2 hour minimum and I will lower the price if you just let me know you need it.

My fees: I start at a higher fee and after you've been a regular student we can lower the fee for you if you need.

*** Travel Equipment ***
just a space to work in - we can create a work space out of any space.

*** Specialties ***
In dance I teach classical ballet principles for beginners or those who are returning and want to work carefully and privately. I teach from the tradition of Alfredo Corvino's principles of relationship to organic forms and structures for sound development. I studied with Mr Corvino for years and continue to study with Ernesta Corvino.
For acting I teach a combination of classical acting technique with American sense memory and relaxation skills. I am well versed in the teachings of Lee Strasberg and then spent time in London to 'fill in the cracks' of my training with analytical skills as well as the various european influences that the Royal National embrace.
I teach creative discovery in combination with classical devices so the student can discover their own artistry while learning actual classical devices for accomplishing specific goals.

rk for one student will not work for another. I am dedicated to assisting the musicians of the future. I firmly believe that being performer assists me in my teaching, because I can give my students the benefit of my performance knowledge and experience, preparing them not only for school concerts and NYSSMA festivals, but also other arenas, such as performing with rock musicians or in theater pits to earn extra cash after high school. I enjoy working with all ages, 3-83. I'm excited to meet you and assist you with the adventure that is learning classical violin! My students have also been recipients of several scholarships and awards.

*** Lesson Details ***
A combination of traditional and Suzuki techniques. Each lesson is uniquely tailored to fit the student's personal/musical goals, learning style, and skill level. Voice lessons will focus on healthy vocalism, beginning theory training, and sight-reading skills.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Many books on music history and theory, electric piano, clean, friendly atmosphere that is perfect for making music in!

*** Specialties ***
Classical violin, classical voice, basic theory. Early childhood, opera, viola, basic piano.

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Composition and Arrangement - To date I have helped my students write over 20 compositions of widely varying styles and characters. Depending on the student, I can address issues of melody, harmony, accompaniment, form, counterpoint, lyrics, song-writing, orchestration, or film music. In my teaching I provide extensive feedback on student work and instructive musical examples from the past. I supplement lessons with my own original learning materials (guides, summaries, worksheets, etc.), which I have found to be effective and useful.

Music Theory - I I have taught music theory for 3 years to over 50 students. I have taught everything from music fundamentals (key signatures, scales, major/minor chords, chord analysis) to some of the most advanced topics in undergraduate and graduate musical studies (form, part-writing, counterpoint, advanced harmonic analysis, Schenkerian analysis). I start with what the student already knows and build on that foundation. I utilize my own original learning materials (guides, summaries, worksheets, etc.), and have found to be effective and useful.

Ear Training - I have taught ear training for 3 years to over 50 students. I am very experienced in assisting students in recognizing and notating everything from single notes and chords to complex passages of music. I have many useful learning materials and know effective methods for achieving aural recognition.

Beginner Piano - I have privately instructed over 30 students in beginner-level piano skills. I can help you master the basics of the instrument, and learn how to read music if necessary. Once the fundamentals are in place, we can cover piano repertoire from a wide variety of styles (jazz, classical, rock, pop, international, etc.), and maybe even learn some of your favorite music and pieces! If you wish, I can supplement lessons with music theory.

Please contact me if you have any questions!

when learning something new just clicks for them — it makes me work even harder to see their success in that technique or song they are working on. Practice doesn’t come easy and I like to assure my students with helpful reasons AND ways to practice at home. Because practice makes perfect.

was the Beatles, couple with a strong exposure to the classics. Being unbearably shy and self-conscious due to her disability, Donna’s entire world exploded at the age of 13 when she started playing the guitar and writing music. Determined to set an example for other people with disabilities, she put together several bands over the next 30 years, acquiring local success with Buffalos’ first all female country band, touring all over Western New York and Pennsylvania. Besides being the leader of the band, Donna played the guitar, banjo and wrote all the bands original music. Due to the success of her last band “Sweet Phantasy” Donna was featured in a half hour television special focusing on her ability to perform and write music, despite her hearing loss. Now with her performing days behind her, Donna is concentrating all her creative abilities on perfecting her craft of songwriting. Having written 100’s of songs over the years, she is writing new and re-writing some old, having them produced and recorded in Nashville for that pure country sound. Tapping in to the wisdom that comes with experience, her music now has taken on a new life, and richness of its own. “Now, I tell it like it is because I’ve been there, done that, and have a lot to say”. Her song "TRY" was released in July 2017 by recording artist Mia Kylie Ditta, opening up a slew of new and exciting projects and co-writes in the works.