Hollis, NY English Lessons

, training is applicable to any new skill.
Last and definitely not least, playing music is fun.

*** Lesson Details ***

I plan my lessons around getting students to enjoy playing music as soon as possible, whether that means learning how to strum a chord rhythmically, playing their favorite song, or how to take a blues solo.
There are steps that have to be climbed to do more complex things and I encourage students to practice a little every day rather than for a long time once or twice a week. Developing a love of music and steady practice habits are more beneficial over the long term than practicing until your limit.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I currently have a living room space where I can teach, but it's small so it might be preferable to travel to you.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If necessary I can provide amplification, cables, and a microphone.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Folk, Blues, Rock, Hip-hop, Funk, Reggae.

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.

ays on Broadway, writing your own songs, and developing show-biz career strategy, (headshots, meeting agents/managers, etc) I help TIYA members every day achieve their artistic dreams.

MORE INFO:
I have been singing since I was 3, anything and everything from Michael Jackson to Elvis Presley to Luciano Pavarotti. Originally from Colorado, I studied music/theatre, as well as vocal pedagogy at The University of Colorado at Boulder, where I graduated with highest honors. I made my Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera" at age 24. I also performed in "Chess in concert" as a featured rock tenor soloist at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway with Josh Groban. I have understudied and performed lead roles in the first AEA National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Whistle Down the Wind." Regionally, I have played many lead roles all over the United States in productions including "Les Miserables," "Miss Saigon," "The Wild Party," and "She Loves Me."

As an ASCAP recording artist, currently I am working in the studio with a full production team on my first pop/rock album. I also often sing on demos for producers and write songs for other artists in many different genres.

As a TV/Film actor, most recently I was on set with Marvel's "Luke Cage" on Netflix, and I played the lead role of (Abraham) Lincoln in the digital series pilot, "These Honored Dead." I also have played lead roles in 4 SAG-AFTRA short films, as well as the comedic lead in a SAG-AFTRA Web-series pilot, "Bodega Nights." I was called back for producers as a Series Regular for "The Knick," an episodic series produced and directed by Steven Soderbergh on Cinemax. Check out: stephenhorst.com.

My audition prep will help you master your sides for any playing space; Broadway plays/musicals and especially on camera.

TIYA clients include (aspiring) Broadway performers, Film and TV actors, singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, news anchors, dancers, comedians, CEO's all over the world, as well as karaoke enthusiasts, and songwriting hobbyists.

My TIYA members have performed on television in Smash, Glee, and venues around NYC ranging from The Underground, Le Poisson Rouge, Drom, Cornelia Street Cafe, Arlene’s Grocery, to the Broadway productions of Ghost, Sister Act, Evita, Wicked, West Side Story, South Pacific, The Phantom of the Opera, and Rent to name a few.

*** Lesson Details ***
We will always work on whatever you want.

For Singing, as a vocal technician/trainer I am like going to the gym for your voice. My exercises are safe, simple, and most importantly, I teach you how to practice correctly.

For ACTing, we can explore both the foundation itself with monologues and scenes, as well as the tricks of the trade mastering the camera frame and how to create memorable auditions for TV/Film.

For Songwriting, we can explore the fundamentals of both lyrics and music, as well as catchy hooks, production, and song structure.

You may use my time however you wish (Voice, Acting, Songwriting, or Artistic/Career guidance).

Most vocal sessions will usually be a combination of strengthening/ conditioning exercises, and then exploring/performing a song.

Most ACTing sessions will be theatre monologues, TV/Film sides and/or On camera auditioning craft.

Career consultations usually include how to get an agent, headshots, branding, and marketing to align your artistic dreams with a strategy for success.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Yamaha PSR 950 61-key arranger keyboard
Sony Handycam DCR-SR 100
Fovitec Studio PRO - 5' x 6.5' Gray/Blue screen
MacBook Pro 13-inch: 2.4GHz
with Retina display
Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar
Bose Wave Music System
iPhone 6S plus

*** Specialties ***
SINGING, ACTING, SONGWRITING, CONSULTING

The TIYA vocal training method is uniquely my own as it combines both Bel Canto and Speech Level Singing. Emphasis is on developing a relaxed, released, authentic vocal timbre to sing in any style. Concepts explored include: Coordination, Registration, and Intonation. Chest, Head, Edge, and Pharyngel registration, 2 instruments in 1, posture, breath management, vocal cord adduction, trigger phrases, ring, consistency, and more. 

etry, trig, precalc, chemistry and physics.

I do Regents and SAT/ACT prep for these subjects as well as the GRE (These are NYS based High School Preparatory Exams - do not hesitate to ask should you need assistance with the ones offered in your state/country).

In addition, I am thorough and meticulous, by paying special attention to how the student grasps information and retains it, I prepare individualized handwritten reviews, with supplemental material found online and in texts.

I assign homework to keep my students ahead of what is going on in class, and a visual and intuitive understanding of the concepts I present is important to me, so I use visual aids (diagrams and interactive models) to help my students integrate what they learn with me in real life situations.

My instruction includes:
1. Tutoring based on the school curriculum
2. Instruction on the home-schooling curriculum
3. Assisting those with a gap in going back to school/university.

I start with an assessment based on what the student has trouble with or last remembers covering in school, and prepare material going from there.

As a result, my students all have improved grades without any need for cramming before tests, and I encourage a stress-free and easygoing learning environment.

My lessons are fun and enthusiastic - these subjects are beautiful and will help open your mind to new ways of thinking - whatever your field of study!

bjects that I teach. For example my knowledge of multiple languages and travel to different countries gave me an added knowledge of linguistics that I experienced first hand and confirmed in books, so now I know how languages work, and can relate a concept from one language to another even if the languages seem completely different.

My Design work has been very general so I've done a lot of different things before I specialized in hand lettering, so I've done it all from advertisements on billboards to website design and development, to copywriting, to branding from start to finish for companies big and small.

My love for lettering and Calligraphy emerged when I started getting more Logos for client work and my exploration of type wasn't the best answer most of the time so I would letter everything myself, and the rest is history.

I am really passionate about learning and even more passionate about sharing what I've learned. I am efficient, I know what works for different people since I taught in classrooms and tutored way before I knew about Takelessons, and I'm most proud of being praised as a very genuine person. A very common compliment I get is that I sincerely want my students to do well. And it makes me really happy every time someone says it, and I hope that one day you see that and tell me the same thing.

Feel free to find out more about me and ask me anything you want, and I really look forward to one day teach you something that will get you to achieve your goals! :)

Just so there are no surprises, I raise my prices very slightly every 3 months, next time it will go up is on March 3rd 2017. The reason for this is because I get better and more efficient at teaching as time goes by, so that hour that you get now is much more packed with value than the same hour last year or last month.

de!!
Hasta Pronto!!

Writing Awards.

Through classes or private lessons, I connect with students, motivate them to dream bigger and work harder, pinpoint areas of improvement, utilize proven methods, and above all, get results.

I live in northern New Jersey. My better half is Jeanette, and I have three beautiful children.