Somers Music Lessons

ng as well as listening to recordings are an integral part of the lessons from the beginning, regardless of skill level. Students will not only learn how to play their instruments correctly but will also develop an expanding appreciation of all kinds of music.

*** Studio Equipment ***
music studio seating for parents
keyboard
amps

*** Travel Equipment ***
I expect all students to provide their own instruments.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk, World, Classical
Jazz Improvisation for ALL instruments (even if I don't play them)
Composition, Arranging, Orchestration, Counterpoint, Finale
Home & Commercial Studio Recording, Acoustics, Analog & Digital, Troubleshooting.

especially kids.

For children, the best start involves games and immediate playing to give the child a taste of the real joy of making music. Reading exercises have their place, but not at the very beginning.

I want you to play a song you know and enjoy your first lesson, and I can easily help you do that.

It's in your interest to play meaningful music, (to you) right away. It is possible for anyone can play music far more complex than what they can read on a page, so my first goal is to get you started playing real songs on your first lesson.

Education: BA University of California, Berkeley. Graduate work at University of Southern California Film School, Trinity College of Music, London.
Emmy Award winner, music direction. Broadway veteran. Recordings with American Symphony Orchestra released Sterling Records.
Advanced Piano lessons using the European tradition, pupil of Tobias Matthay School (London) and Denise Lassimone (Paris)

*** Lesson Details ***
If you're a beginner, I want you to start playing right away, with less emphasis on deciphering sheet music and more on the immediate physical sense of the keyboard. You have to enjoy playing by any means before you are inundated with the page. Reading music follows soon, but not before you can play music you like.
If you're more advanced, I can help you with technical development, and begin to widen your musical senses.

*** Studio Equipment ***
1926 Steinway A

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide Books and Musical Literature. Students must have instrument, electronic or acoustic.

*** Specialties ***
I teach any style of music that you prefer. I also accept students with disabilities and special needs.

de myself on being very open minded in terms of musical taste. Never apologize for liking what you like! I bet there is something in that music which is great. I can't wait to learn something from the music you introduce to me.

I be glad to provide a full resume to anyone who requests it.

*** Lesson Details ***

My most important goal for each student is that they get to where they want to be musically.

I want the student to be able to play the way he or she wants to play. If you want to learn to play one song, that is great! If you want to learn to play one classical etude that is just as great! If you want to learn how to play in a salsa band, bravo! I treat the desires of my students as my curriculum. Each student will receive special prep time from me each week. I pride myself in taking the time and energy to prepare for each meeting. Every time you complete a lesson, it is my hope that you are walking away as a better musician.

In the beginning I hope to find what will musically interests you the most. Usually, you might have a goal that requires you to play on a higher level than you do presently. If that is true, we might take some time to figure out a road map to get you to that place. Along the way, I'm sure you and I will learn many new concepts and techniques that aid you in becoming the bassist/musician you want to be.

And rest assured, the teacher always learns from the student...this is the best part of teaching: learning from the student.

*** Studio Equipment ***

Studio: 3 electric basses, plenty of amps and chords, one acoustic bass, piano, ukulele, guitar, computer playback and recording.

*** Travel Equipment ***
As requested

*** Specialties ***
I have been lucky to play tons of different types of music. I believe I can give musicians and aspiring musicians a deep understanding of what is most important in many different styles of music. Music I have been lucky enough to study and play professionally: Jazz, Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Blues, Classical, Pop.
I'm also a very good transcriber, so if there is a song you heard on the radio we can definitely play it! Ear training could be an area in which I could be of service to you as well.
I have many arranging and composing credits and I would be glad to help students in this area whenever requested.

ang for a jazz big band and auditioned for opera houses around the world.

With proper vocal technique you can finally use the voice you never knew you had! Learn to vocalize, use proper breathing technique, sing with more ease and agility and overcome the fear of singing in public. I teach students of all ages with beginning to advanced knowledge of voice technique in most styles- classical, Broadway, jazz, pop, rock, gospel...etc. Looking forward to hearing you soon!

Audition ER available.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons with me are exactly what you need them to be-- Auditioning for something? Want to improve your technique? Weekend Karaoke warrior? Or just singing for fun? I'm here to help!

My style is mostly laid back and fun, always full of positive encouragement and the right amount of strictness (usually close to performance and audition crunch time!)

*** Studio Equipment ***
Upright piano, music, stand

*** Specialties ***
I'm very versatile- happy to work with students in all genres (opera, Broadway, rock, pop, gospel, folk...etc) I specialize in audition ER, work with all students to help with stage presence and performance. All students will work on ear training and some sight reading-- this will always make you a better musician.

kept me motivated as a musician and I strive to cater to each individual and work on the stuff they love so that they stay motivated and inspired. Music theory and the fundamentals are important, but I try to relate the theory to what the student is interested as best as possible.

I've been lucky to be able to study music in college and attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA and graduated from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. I had the benefit of studying with amazing teachers, attending master classes with some of the best players in the world, and playing in groups and with people that have pushed me to continue studying and excel at my instrument.

I currently teach at New Windsor Music Academy in New York and I have several private students that I work with outside of the school. I try to keep lessons fun and informative, so I plan each lesson with structure so that the student can get the most out of our time together. I get the most joy out of watching my students feel elated when they are able to play tunes that they love, understand the theory behind what they are playing, and progress as musicians.

several classical teachers over the years. I found, although helpful, they did not have a great understanding of the voice, how to truly control sound, and the specifics of contemporary singing (my style). That changed when I found and studied with John Henny from Los Angeles (John Henny Music Academy). John is teacher to the stars and for many years worked for Seth Riggs who taught Michael Jackson and other celebrities. John took his method to the next level which is the basis of what I teach. I also have a Voice Pedagogy Certificate from Boston Conservatory.