Hollis, NY Music Performance Lessons

Technique- We will help you improve breathing, phrasing, improving tone, projection and develop range.

Artistry- Some singers already have a sense of "who they are" and
have found their "sound" as artists, and others need help refining it.
We'll look at what songs are great for you, (maybe you write your own)
how to style songs and make them your own and even experiment with
different genres.

Performance skills- It's one thing to sing in a room one on one
with a vocal instructor and quite another to be onstage with an
audience with all eyes on you as you stand in front of the mic. How do
you connect with your audience? How do you handle nerves? How do you
talk between songs? Some of these things are learned best from
experience. Most singers are working on their voice because they want
to perform. Michael will provide opportunities for performance
experience for each artist when each individual is ready.

Be an Intelligent singer- Learn how to be ready for an audition.
How to communicate with a band /accompanists. How to know what keys you
need your songs in. Learn about singing harmonies/backing vocals. Learn
about recording vocals in the studio.

This is what one new student had to say about their first lesson with Michael...

"I had SO much fun
this past Sunday, Michael. I already feel like I learned a great deal. You are
such a fun and easy going teacher. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks!"

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can bring a keyboard and a laptop. It would be nice if they could provide a CD player, but not necessary.

*** Specialties ***
pop, soul, r&b, rock, country, any commercial styles. Performance coaching, Songwriting

it greatly from them
in so many ways.

*** Lesson Details ***
I customize the lessons to fit the level of proficiency of my students,and to fit to their schedule of practicing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Guitars,Bass,Amps,recording equipment

*** Specialties ***
Guitar,Bass,Ukulele,Bouzouki & Music Theory teacher.
Blues/Rock/Jazz & Greek Music

and Radio City Music Hall, 54 Below, The Jazz Standard, Bowery Ballroom, Shapeshifter and Flushing Town Hall in New York, my fire for wanting to develop my teaching did also. I was always thinking back to what my old teachers gave me, inspiration. I then understood that inspiration is the key to success in life.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons will be something the student looks forward to every week. We will work through common method books and learn material that the student has an interest in. For example, some students want to learn to play high notes, a popular song, improvise, or write their own songs. I am a laid back guy, but I do expect effort in the lessons and at home. I believe whatever you put into music is what you get out of it, and I will inspire and motivate the student to get as much out of the lessons as they can. Students will create, with my advisement, and update short term and long term goals every few months.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard or Piano and Music Stand

*** Travel Equipment ***
They should provide their instrument, instrument care products (valve oil), method books and sheet music.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz and classical music. I use many common methods depending on how the student tends to learn the best, and will even combine different methods if the student requires it.

eaching for 14+ years of teaching, I have developed a teaching style that is unique in that I approach each student’s progress on an individual basis. Musically speaking, I am able to identify what is holding the student back and take necessary steps to move forward in a constructive and supportive way that will inspire you to continually grow as a musician.
The first thing I want to accomplish in my lessons is to get the student excited about playing music in general. That means understanding what kind of music the student likes to listen to and incorporate it into the lessons. I find that relating ear training, theory, reading, technique, and rhythmic study to the music that they are interested in is a great way to do that.

CLASSICAL GUITAR INSTRUCTION:
We will focus on a variety of topics including right and left hand technique, proper body position, sound production and tone, reading, repertoire, and finding your own personal musical voice with regards to playing classical music.

JAZZ GUITAR INSTRUCTION:
We will cover jazz theory, chord shapes, scales, repertoire, and transcription. Jazz is an oral tradition and I am a firm believer that the best way to learn it is through listening/transcribing and applying those concepts on your instrument. We will draw inspiration and knowledge from great jazz musicians of the past in addition to finding your own personal voice as an improviser in jazz music.

TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN:
I have lot of experience teaching young children (as young as 5 years old). For these children, I like to focus on the basic foundations of music (e.g. rhythm, melody, etc.). We will use a variety of tools (rhythm sticks, guitar books for children, singing) to enrich these early foundations in music, in addition to learning to get over the physical demands of learning to play the guitar.

*** Frequency Requirement ***
Students are required to take lessons at least once per week in order to insure consistent progress and ongoing assessment. Lessons given every other week are not offered.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Living room set up. Chairs. Music stands. Guitars. Music. Seating for parents. *** Please note, there is no piano in studio. If you are interested in piano lessons, only in home lessons are available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I usually provide guitar picks if needed, photocopies of materials (mel bay, chord charts, etc.). I require my students to have the instruments that they will be taking lessons on and a notebook to write in.

*** Specialties ***
Piano lessons are in students' homes only! I cover music theory, application of music theory, technique, ear training, sight reading, and repertoire building.
I teach a variety of styles including classical, jazz, rock, folk and blues.

he played toy harmonica. Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Iridium, Bluenote, Birdland, U.N., IAJE, Cape Cod Jazz Festival, NJPAC, Sweet Rhythm, Smalls, Zinc Bar, Smoke Jazz Club, internationally: Japan, Spain, Russia, Brasil, St. Kitts, Canada, France, Bermuda, Sweden, Israel

-Toured/recorded and/or worked as sideman with Jimmy McGriff, Teddy Charles, Sonny Dallas, Victor Jones and Cultur-versy, Vince Giordano & The Night Hawks, Frank Vignola/Joe Ascione, Miles Griffith, David Pleasant, Jim Nolet (former violinist for the Jazz Passengers), Anastasia Rene, Jon Weber, Mona's Hot Four, Gordon Au's Grand Street Stompers, Michael Arenella's Dreamland Orchestra, with Jesse Gelber, Raphael McGregor, Emily Asher's Garden Party, and many other groups.

-Appears in Sam Mendes Film "Away We Go"

-Movie Soundtrack: King George.

-Guitar/banjo: "Jew Grows in Brooklyn," "Take Me Along," "The Big Apple Circus" + others.

-Banjo/Guitar Chair: "New Girl In Town" (Irish Rep Theatre)

-Author: Metallica Legendary Licks series,volume 1 & 2)
-Editor GRP chords (both Cherry Lane Music/Hal Leonard).

M.A. from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College
(partial scholarship)

B.S. from S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook, graduated magna cum laude. Dean's list all semesters

-Published interview (book): A New Face of Jazz (Cicily Janus)

-Playing guitar/banjo on first episode of new PBS cartoon "Peg and Cat"

- Current adjunct professor at Essex College

-Guest lecturing professor at Manhattanville College

-Substitute adjunct professor at Queens College

-Winning participant: I.A.J.E. with Miles Griffith's New Ting 2007. Performance and educational certificate granted.

-Winning participant; part-scholarship award: 2004 International Jazz Workshop at BANFF Centre, Canada (dir, Dave Douglas)

-Winning participant; full-scholarship award of the 2001 JAS academy in Aspen Colorado (dir, Christian McBride (Down Beat Dec. 2001)

-Studying Bol (Indian rhythmic system) with tabla player, Pandit Samir Chatterjee 2006-2007; 2013-current

-Studied with Pat Martino, Billy Bauer, Ben Monder, Tony Purrone, Pete Bernstein, Dr. Stephen Salerno, Dr. David Belser

-Studying African Rhythms with drummer, Harvey Wirht

*** Lesson Details ***
With over 20 years teaching experience, Nick is patient with children & adults. He has a creative, unique pedagogy emphasizing hearing through singing, ear-training & natural, organic listening. Nick instills healthy absorption of music while students have fun learning their music, sight reading, internalizing with focus on rhythm and time.
As a student, you will get to work on music that you, the student select as well as work on sight-reading, technique, ear-training. We will also work out of method books and use other sources of information.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Chairs, music stands, instrument stands, classical foot pedals, classical guitar pillows, guitar amps, guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, drum set. Students usually provide their own instruments but it's possible to borrow an instrument during the lesson at the studio on the first lesson. (free street parking right in front!)

*** Specialties ***
Nick's pedagogy emphasizes ear-training, singing, reading and truly hearing the music we are working on. Rather than rote teaching and guitar tablature, he instills natural listening, transcribing, sight-reading and proper technique. Lessons are always enjoyable as Nick observes each student's unique needs and listen's to their song preferences and musical goals. Students have the opportunity to learn pieces and genres they select and they are trained to figure out tunes by ear (ear-training) and transcribe.

Nick teaches:

-classical guitar and Brazilian guitar (nylon 6 string and nylon 7 string guitar)
-acoustic steel string guitar, electric 6 string and electric 7 string guitar
- jazz guitar + an eclectic mix of styles: blues, Brazilian music, Latin Jazz, Afro-Peruvian, Indian music, rock, heavy metal, funk, R & B, Motown, reggae + other genres.
- tenor banjo (traditional jazz, jazz from New Orleans, Dixieland and world music)
-5 string banjo (Earl Scruggs finger picking [bluegrass and country])
-tenor guitar
-ukulele
-mandolin
-resonator slide/Dobro.
-baritone resonator (slide)

egina Opera. Nick holds an Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Bachelor of Music from Rutgers University. He is presently enrolled in an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy program at New York University, where he is an adjunct professor.

*** Travel Equipment ***
If you have a piano or a good keyboard, I can teach at your home.

e" Heath, Billy Hart, Greg Osby, Jason Moran, Dave Liebman, Steve Wilson, Ambrose Akinmusire and Aaron Parks and have studied with teachers including Jay Anderson, David Grossman, Larry Grenadier and Ben Street.

I look forward to helping you grow as a musician and learning from you as well!

All the best,
Martin

*** Lesson Details ***
My primary mission is to help you accomplish the goals you have set for yourself. Within the first lesson I want to learn what you hope to achieve. I always ask my students what music they love and want to learn more about.

I want to use the music that you connect with to help you grow on your instrument. I will also teach you the techniques needed to play the instrument and expose you to the different styles possible on the instrument.

I tailor my teaching to each student's needs, concerns, strengths and weaknesses. I use a variety of teaching tools, including books and recordings, based on what I think will help you.

I am very patient, fun, and engaging. I guarantee that within 1 lesson you will feel inspired and ready to embark on an exciting musical journey.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio lessons take place in the living room with a piano, upright bass, and guitar. Seating is available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I use public transportation. I expect the student to provide an instrument and if possible, the book we are working through. Otherwise I will provide the book.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in jazz, but can teach classical, rock, pop, funk, r and b,

ic obviously requires preparation outside of lessons, I consciously avoid asking students to practice. Instead, I incorporate the music and styles that appeal most to the student and use them as vehicles for teaching concepts.

I strive to make learning music fun, regardless of age, style, and ability. I organize an annual recital to showcase my students' talents and hard work.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide all music and instructional materials, and ask that students provide a clean, quiet area to hold our lesson, ideally with a music stand. I also ask that a student provide their own instrument. If providing an instrument is not possible, I ask that the student notify me so I can provide an instrument for them in the interim.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in a wide range of styles on the acoustic and electric guitar, piano, ukulele, and bass.

I explain music theory in a fun, clear, and articulate manner and show its benefits and application in song writing, learning music, and playing by ear. My extensive background in rock, classical, pop, folk, and jazz allows for a truly cater my instruction to my student's tastes.

I make it my mission to structure my lessons on my student's goals and interests and avoid imposing concepts that don't interest my students.

zz Festival. In 2010, Neves traveled to Sydney, Australia, where he won first prize in the International Trumpet Guild’s Jazz Solo Competition. Recently, Neves was faculty at the 2016 Torino Jazz Festival where he conducted masterclasses, as well as the advanced ensemble that was featured at the festival, performing “April 14th, 2013” from his debut album, “Progress Report.”

In February 2014, David independently released Progress Report, his first full-length album as a leader and composer. This project debuts intriguing, all-original music, and David is joined by some of the finest young musicians in Boston and New York.

A recent recipient of the prestigious Artist Diploma in Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Greg Gisbert, and Ben Wolfe; David is currently performing and teaching in the New York, and Boston areas.

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Teaching Philosophy
• Relate to the student in a way that keeps them constantly engaged.
• Focus on areas of improvement as well as their strengths allowing him/her to feel comfortable.
• Develop discipline and a sense of creativity within the student, and allow them to express themselves freely
with music.
• Improve their technique and musicality in a fun and informative way.
• Lessons will also include information on trumpet history, music theory, jazz improvisation, and musicianship.

Teaching Experience
• Resident Trumpet Instructor Little Red School House, NYC
September 2016 to December 2016
Private trumpet instruction. Created unique exercises based on each students learning challenges/needs. Topics included trumpet technique, improvisation, musicianship, classical and jazz theory. From ages 14-15.

• Juilliard Jazz Workshop Faculty Torino Jazz Festival, Italy
April 2016
Featured artist and faculty at 2016 Torino Jazz Festival. Conducted trumpet/improvisation masterclass. Taught advanced ensemble (featured at the final day of festival). Topics included trumpet technique, jazz history, jazz recordings, jazz theory, musicianship.

• Trumpet Instructor Music To Your Home, NYC
November 2015 to present
Private lessons in students homes. Developed lesson plans for each student, and assessed progress during weekly lessons. Topics included trumpet technique, improvisation, musicianship. From ages 10-18.

• Resident Trumpet Instructor Medfield High School, MA
September 2014 to May 2015
After school program, where private and group lessons of 4-5 people were conducted. Developed lesson plans for each student, and assessed progress during weekly lessons. Topics included trumpet technique, improvisa- tion, musicianship. From ages 10-18.

• Private Instructor Norwell High School and Middle School, MA
June 2007 to September 2015
Private and group lessons of 5-10 people were conducted. Created unique exercises based on each students learning challenges/needs. Occasional clinics were conducted for whole band program. Topics included trumpet technique, improvisation, musicianship, and music and jazz theory. From ages 14-18.

• Clinician and Performer Panama Jazz Festival
January 2011
Featured artist at 2011 Panama Jazz Festival. Conducted trumpet/brass/jazz masterclass to 40-50 people. Topics included trumpet technique, jazz history, jazz recordings, jazz theory, musicianship.

Education
• The Juilliard School New York, NY
Artist Diploma in Jazz Studies
September 2015 - May 2017
Two-year, postgraduate, tuition free certificate program under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Greg Gisbert, and Ben Wolfe.

• New England Conservatory Boston, MA
Master of Music in Jazz Studies
September 2012 - May 2014
Recipient of Merit-based Tuition Waiver. Teachers included John McNeil, Laurie Frink, Jerry Bergonzi, Ralph Alessi, Miguel Zenon, Jason Moran, Dave Holland, Fred Hersch. Member of NEC Jazz Orchestra led by Ken Schaphorst.

• Berklee College of Music Boston, MA
Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance
September 2007 – May 2011
Full Scholarship. Teachers included Tiger Okoshi, Jeff Galindo, Hal Crook, Dave Santoro, Darren Barrett, Terri Lyne Carrington.