New York, NY Music Theory Lessons

ils ***
I'm a laid back teacher with an easy going nature, but I do expect my students to put time into their practicing. I customize my curriculum based on your needs. If you are a complete beginner who really has a desire to learn the instrument, we will focus on technique, theory and improvisation as it applies to your favorite styles and songs.

For students who want to play more casually, we will focus on mastering techniques that will get you playing your favorite tunes while bypassing the theoretical aspects.

Intermediate/Advanced students are welcome to choose the areas they feel they need to improve, whether it's understanding how to apply modes to your soloing or developing a fluid sweeping technique.

My home studio has a spare guitar and amp for your convenience.

*** Studio Equipment ***
space with instruments seating for parents

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in Rock/Metal/Blues but can teach all genres comfortably.

My method is custom tailored to the student. If gaining a deep knowledge of the instrument is his/her goal I focus on technique, theory, and application through improvisation. If a student would rather learn their favorite songs I spend the majority of the time focusing on the techniques needed to perform the tune and pepper in a little theory where applicable.

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.

Broadway/Musical Theater and any other vocal style!

Many, many of my students have gone on to place in the renowned Bergen County, North Jersey Regional, and All State Choruses and consistently receive leading roles in school, community, and regional theater productions! I also have current and past students who have gone on to have roles on Broadway including an upcoming production of Annie! I've also had students who have gone on to have their rock and heavy metal bands place in local and regional band competitions and be signed!

Whether you want to learn how to sing Karaoke better, audition for American Idol, prepare for auditions, or really seriously work on your vocal technique, i'm the teacher for you!

*** Lesson Details ***
Our lessons will be filled with music, support, encouragement and success! I teach to the whole student and we will get to know one another well so I can tailor your lesson specifically to your needs, goals and dreams! By taking lessons, you are taking an amazing step to improve not only your skills as a performer but also your self esteem! When you become better at an instrument or your voice improves so will your outlook! Its a natural fit!

Within 3-6 months, you'll have learned many standard warm-ups and vocalises that you can have in your back pocket for any opportunity that comes your way. If you are a singer, you will have learned how to breathe correctly for singing and implemented great technique into the style music of your choice. You will also have learned quite a few songs, starting from simple to more advanced as we go along!

For the beginner piano student, we will begin understanding basic Music Theory and scales. We will work on finger position and learn basic tunes starting with one hand at a time. soon you'll be learning how to play simple songs with both hands and accompany yourself as you sing along!

For singers, we'll learn about vocal techniques, breathing, relaxation and getting your best vocal sound and discovering how to perform a song with great diction and presence! We'll also learn performance techniques, how to work with a microphone, have a great stage presence in front of a live audience and begin learning how to read music and even get familiar with the piano keyboard!

All of my current students will say that they enjoy our lessons because each one is tailored to the individual and their goals. Its a wonderful and exciting journey that we embark upon together! I love seeing my students progress and learn over the course of our time together!

I encourage all of my students to get out and perform and i'm ALWAYS looking for opportunities for my students to do just that (unpaid AND paid!). Since music is a performing art I try to schedule two recitals a year with my students. These recitals are completely optional (but encouraged!) and take place in a local church hall or other performing space. They are done is a low stress and fun way ...and afterwards, i always provide some sweet treats for the parents and students that attend! Its a super fun way to display how hard my students have been working! Each student leaves the recital with their name and piece in a printed program and a certificate!

My studio is located in a safe, family home on a quiet street with ample street parking. The home is a smoke-free environment. We have a cute little Shih Tzu but not to worry if you have any allergies. He stays in his house downstairs and away from the studio and he never enters the studio room.

Let's make some music!

*** Studio Equipment ***
second floor up stairs, bathroom, desk, f/w keyboard seating for parents, method books, music stand

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide any necessary music books, pitch pipe, and possibly music stand. Student must have a keyboard or piano.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in the Bel Canto style of voice teaching. This means an easy and fluid voice that can be applied to ANY STYLE of music! Whether you want to sing pop, rock, musical theater, classical/opera I will help you to perfect your style and technique!

te. The Post also celebrated him in Opera Theater of Northern Virginia’s The Barber of Seville as a “bright and bouncy” Figaro who delivered his lines with “aplomb.” He was a young artist in the studio programs of Portland Opera, Kentucky Opera, and El Paso Opera.

Dr. Collins has sung the roles of Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Sid in Albert Herring, Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro and in The Barber of Seville, Papageno in Die Zauberflӧte, Belcore in L’elisir d’amore, Jupiter in Orphée aux enfers, Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus, Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Masetto in Don Giovanni, Schaunard in La Bohème, Clayton McAllister in Cold Sassy Tree, the Clock in L’Enfant et les Sortilèges, the Mandarin in Turandot, and Haushofmeister in the world premiere of Dorian Gray. Dr. Collins has had the pleasure of singing in the choruses of the Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, and Fort Worth Opera. He has performed roles with the American Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, Kentucky Opera, El Paso Opera, Summer Opera Theater, Bel Cantanti Opera, Amarillo Opera, Crested Butte Opera, Portland Opera To Go, Opera Southwest, Opera Theater of Northern Virginia, Concert Royal, Ash Lawn Opera, Bay View Music Festival, and Seagle Music Colony.

Dr. Collins is currently on the voice faculty at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and maintains a private voice studio at the National Opera Center in New York City where he teaches singers of all skill levels including those who perform on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera. He has a passion for vocal instruction and is dedicated to the success of each individual student. Dr. Collins keeps an active record of each student’s progress, vocal exercises, repertoire, performances, and personal goals. He is a member of the College Music Society, the American Guild of Musical Artists, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Opera America.

New York City in Midtown Manhattan on the West Side. I began performing professionally at age 16, doing session work, teaching and performing. I attended the National Guitar Summer Workshop, New Milford, Connecticut, to diversify my skills, participating in master classes with guitar icons Vinnie Moore, Stanley Jordan and Mick Goodrick.

I started college at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, and completed a Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude, studying jazz guitar and composition/arranging, as well as completd the Honors program at Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music. My studies included jazz guitar with Tom Giacobetti and Ed Flanagan; jazz composition/arranging with Don Glanden, Ben Schacter and Larry McKenna; and classical composition with Matthew Greenbaum, Ph.D., Maurice Wright, D.M.A., Richard Brodhead, Ph.D., and Mark Rimple, D.M.A. I also conducted/arranged the School's Jazz Vocal Ensemble and was awarded membership in the Golden Key Honor Society. I also studied guitar privately with Shrapnel/Tone Center recording artist Greg Howe, Lasers Edge recording artist Scott McGill and Jazz icons Pat Martino (Blue Note) and Jimmy Bruno (Mel Bay).

I earned a Masters of Arts degree in music composition at Rutgers University, studying with world renowned, Pulitzer Prize winning composer Charles Wuorinen. In my first year, he was awarded a Teaching Assistantship in Music Composition and Theory.

I pursued additional studies (and master classes) in composition with celebrated composers Aaron Jay Kernis, Harvey Sollberger, Jukka Tiensuu, David Felder, Mario Davidovsky, Charles Fussell, Austin Clarkson and George Russell; film score orchestration with Scott Smalley (Film Music Institute) and film scoring with Rick Baitz (The Manhattan Producer's Alliance), as well as performance studies with Wynton Marsalis, Max Roach, Billy Taylor, Bill Shindling, Magmus Andersson, Stu Hamm, Terry Bozzio, Frank Gambale, Larry Mitchell, Andy Timmons, Adrian Legg and Blues Saraceno.

I was the Music Director and conductor for the Mondfleck Orchestra, Music Director and Composer-In-Residence for the Trash Can Society Theater Company and composer for improv theater group, The Glass Metropolis Project.

I released my critically acclaimed debut CD, a collection of virtuosic instrumental guitar music and have been interviewed and featured in many publications and websites worldwide, including Guitar Player, Guitar World, 20th Century Guitar, Guitar Chef (Italy), Guitar Mania (Canada), among many others. I was selected as a Top 5 Finalist in the 2006 North American Rock Guitar Competition, presented by Guitar Player magazine and Gibson guitars and was inducted as a new member into the 2007 Independent Artist Registry.

I was selected to be a part of the June in Buffalo Festival for Emerging Composers in Buffalo, New York, where celebrated pianist Marilyn Nonken performed my solo piano piece, Aerial Surveying. I was commissioned to compose, conduct and perform the music for Sirens, a modern dance presentation in collaboration with celebrated choreographer Julia Ritter. I was also commissioned to write a modern composition for Renaissance lute titled A Mosaic of Cement and Barbed Wire, performed at the Sarah Lawrence Summer Guitar Institute. My piece, Like Giants Through a Keyhole, trio for flute, cello and piano performed as part of the Network for New Music's Cross-Currents in Jazz and New Music: The Schooling and School of Stefan Wolpe series. My orchestra composition, Ideological Explosions of the Absurd Hero, was performed in Milan, Italy.

My music has been featured throughout film and television. I have composed the scores for many feature films, television, web and ad campaigns, and my music has been featured on MTV, VH1, NBC, CBS, ABC, Discovery, History Channel, PBS, etc.

I was a featured speaker at the Music for My Web Series Panel as part of the BlogWorld & New Media Expo held at the Javits Center in NYC on June 7, 2012.

I am a proud endorsee of Seymour Duncan pickups, Morley pedals, Madison Amps, Curt Mangan strings and Neck Sock.

*ASCAP affiliated composer and publisher

*International Alliance Of Composer's member

*Independent Film Project (IFP) member

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar, Music Theory, Composition/Arranging, Songwriting, Improvisation and Home Recording.

Instruction in any style - Rock, Jazz, Blues, Funk, Metal, Shred, Progressive, Classical, Folk, R&B, etc.,

*20 Years of Teaching experience, privately, in music schools and in universities. *

ALL LEVELS
For all ages. From beginner to advanced!

I am also a University Faculty and hold both a Bachelors of Music and Masters in Music

I am located in Midtown Manhattan on the West Side in a relaxed comfortable environment.

Learn the kind of music you want to learn. We will always focus on the music you want to play and use examples of the music and performers that you want to play to teach each new technique. That way it’s always FUN! The way it should be.

Learn the techniques to reach your fullest potential in speed, dexterity, strength and musicality. My technique, derived from classical, jazz, fusion, rock, blues, metal and shred players, includes specific exercises to help develop proficiency in both hands for the best results.

Music Theory: Musical concepts and terminologies, presented in the simplest and clearest way, unlock musicians’ secrets and help you understand and apply theoretical ideas to achieve your greatest potential and musical competence.

Improvisation: Learn soloing, melodic phrasing, rhythmic analysis and how to apply various musical styles and articulations, along with scales for all types of chords and key structures, including major/minor, pentatonic, blues, modes, harmonic and melodic minor modes, as well as exotic and synthetic scales - all skills for lead guitarists. Practice diverse approaches to various musical genres and proficiencies.

Soloing: Master advanced techniques including legato, alternate, economy and hybrid picking, sweep picking, arpeggios, double stops and much more. Become an accomplished melodic guitarist, know how to play whatever you want and reach your optimum level of proficiency.

Chord Structures: Learn modulation, transposition, inversions, voicings and the use of extended and advanced chords from basic triads to sevenths and compound extensions, as well as songwriting, accompaniment and creating chord progressions. You will explore the essential vocabulary and exercises for writing guitar parts, songs and chord-based harmonies.

Composition: Cover all aspects of composition and songwriting for any genre including analysis, harmonic/chord structures and progressions, approaches to melody, counter melody and counterpoint and how to apply these to various styles of music and composition, including arranging and orchestration from rock and pop to jazz and full orchestrations.

Lessons are developed to meet your individual needs and ensure your progress.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have guitars available that students are welcome to use in their lessons, as well as amplifiers, etc.

*** Specialties ***
I am an experienced teacher of guitar, composition, arranging, orchestration, music theory and have developed my own personal teaching concepts and methods for improving technique, chord/scale theory and counterpoint for various styles and genres of music including advanced techniques for Jazz, Pop, Rock, Metal, Shred, Fusion, Blues, others. I have developed teaching methods to improve a students speed, accuracy and facility on the instrument. I am a professional freelance, live, studio and session guitarist, composer, arranger and producer.

nd (2013-2014, 2014-2015 & 2015-2016), HS NJ All-State Symphonic Band (2014-2015 & 2015-2016) and NJ Youth Symphony Orchestra (2013-2014 & 2014-2015).

​Stella, HS junior (clarinet)
- Successful audition for 1st chair in HS Band (2015-2016).

Ivana, 8th grade (flute)
- Successful audition to Lakeland Youth Symphony (2014-2015).

Jennifer, 7th grade (clarinet)
- Successful audition to NJ Youth Symphony Orchestra (2014-2015), Middle School North NJ Regional Symphonic Band (2014-2015 & 2015-2016), and Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan (Summer of 2014 & 2015).

Chris M., 7th grade (clarinet and saxophone)
- Successful audition for Honors Band
- Promoted to 1st chair in his school band (2016)
- Selected from over 500 students to participate in the North Jersey Region 1 Honors Elementary Band Festival (May 2016).

Morven, 4th grade (clarinet)
- Promoted to 1st chair in 5th grade Advanced Band (2016)

Chris Y., 4th grade (saxophone)
- Promoted to 1st chair in 5th grade Advanced Band (2016)

History

Established in 1996.

For the past twenty years, Dimitry has been teaching students of all ages to play the clarinet, saxophone, flute, trumpet, and recorder.

Students will learn proper techniques, posture, breathing, phrasing, articulation, tone, rhythm, sight reading, solfeggio, music theory, and music history. They will also learn to play solos (with and without accompaniment), as well as duets (along with the instructor).

Private lessons are customized to meet each student's goals, such as preparation for regional and state band auditions, concerts, and other music competitions.

Meet the Business Owner

Business Owner
Dimitry Chernavsky is the Principal Clarinetist of the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, the Co-Principal of the ​Hanover Wind Symphony, and a member of the ​'A La Mode' clarinet quartet.

Dimitry is a graduate of Kiev Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Music Performance and Education.

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.

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 including a weekly Sunday residency in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Birdland Jazz Club in Midtown Manhattan with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra with Arturo O'Farrill.

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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.

zart in the Jungle by night! She is also heavily involved in Bollywood dancing, learning to speak Hindi, and a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC.

For more information, don't miss a beat, drop her a message!