Music Lessons in Somers, NY. It's your time.

Experienced violin, viola and piano teacher of 30+ years available for eager students of all experience levels and ages! I structure my lessons so students learn what they want to learn, while also building a strong foundation of reading, theory and performance skills. I specialize in classical music. I use a variety of methods and literature all dependent on personal need and style of each student.

I have been teaching piano almost as long as I have been performing, coming up on 10 years. To date, I have taught lessons to over 100 different students ranging in age from 5 to 70, and ranging in skill from complete beginner to college piano performance major. I can teach students of any level and help them overcome any problem, whether that is a technical problem, interpretative problem, or having pain during playing.

Not every student is going to think I’m the best fit for them. I expect consistent practice, completion of assignments, and attention to detail in music. I have had many trial lessons that don’t pan out because the student or parent thinks my expectations are too high for them. Make no mistake; I expect a lot, but I also care deeply about music and have great understanding and sympathy for those who genuinely try. Whether your goal is to learn to read music, improve rhythm, learn to play the great classical repertoire, or simply have a good time learning the ...

Music Theory is covered for all ages and levels from beginner to advanced. My suggestions for beginner kids ages 5-9

Lisa Ng series of "Theory made Easy" this book is great! it combines puzzle solving, note reading, stickers and is a fun way to introduce kids to music theory.

For the student that has had some theory experience, The "Master your Theory" series is great. by Charles S. Peters and Paul Yoder book1-6

Similarly, Alfred's Basic Piano for adults has theory combined in the piano books for those who start at a later stage.

Karena's teaching style lies between analytical problem solving and imaginative music making. She is always eager to pass on the information she has learned from the teachers she has worked with and applies them in creative ways with her students. Phrasing is always first and she helps students problem solve the technical side to enable the music to come alive. While having a deep knowledge of the physicality of playing, she is sensitive in gauging what kind of approach each student needs and what will help them grow most effectively.

More than technique, I will teach you how to connect with people. Music is the art of communication. Being able to reach someone's heart, to feel what they feel, and to play what they feel is far more powerful than being able to play 16th notes at 160 Beats Per Minute.

Having played Jazz Guitar for 15+ years, graduated with a Music (Classical Composition) double-major from MIT, and performed at restaurants & large events such as Super Bowl Live, I will teach you the fundamentals to play any type of music you desire. I specialize in music improvisation and will show you how to learn songs quickly by ear. Also, I will show you what it takes to deliver a great performance for your audience.

Ultimately, my focus is on serving you. That means helping you become who you want to be and helping you express your true self through music. Together, we'll figure out what works best for you and what learning style helps you grow the fastest. And we'll have a lot of fun along the way!