Sunnyside, NY Music Theory Lessons

Manhattan school of music pre college division (where he has been a faculty member since 1994) and piano, theory and composition at the JCC on the Palisades Thurnauer school of music,where he also served as theory department chair from 1999 - 2005.
The newest addition to Dan's expending circle is The Red Bank Regional High School for the performing arts where he has a been a guest lecturer since fall of 2011.

Dan has been giving private lessons of music and music related subjects for over 20 years.

The system Dan developed over the years of teaching is based on two fundamental principles-
The paramount importance of developing sound traditional skills and the strong conviction that you should always tailor the method to the student and never tailor the student to the method.

Dan's eclectic background enables him to draw on a wide range of musical styles and techniques, fulfilling the needs of students from all walks of the musical experience. Lessons are available in the following areas for all ages and levels:

Piano - classical

Piano - contemporary / jazz / Broadway.

Piano - eclectic

Composition

Song writing, arranging and producing

Music theory, General theory, Jazz and popular music theory, a special AP music theory preparation workshop.

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a strong believer in combining traditional skills and sensibilities with a strong affinity to today's musical and pop culture, While I am an extremely patient teacher, I do expect (and achieve) results. If a student starts with me from scratch they should be able to play real piano tunes within 6 months.

*** Studio Equipment ***
living area piano seating for parents

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student needs to have a piano/keyboard

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Jazz, Pop, Broadway, composition, song writing, music for film, production, music history, theory, ear training, AP preparation.

Bass and musical director at Murderers Row
Blue Man Group….Chapman Stick, bass guitar and talking drum from 1991 to present including performing on the Jay Leno Show in 1994; ongoing gigs as sideman and leader (bass, guitar, stick and voice) in NYC from 1981 to 2015
Tom S. Trio on fretless guitar - NY
Fretless Guitar Festival, 2006

Solo bass CD- Quixotic
Brillliant Coroners CD
Otis Ball and The Chains - I'm Gonna Love You Till I Don't;
Dumptruck For The Country CD

Specializations:
Improvisation
Music Learning (Theory)
Music Technology (MIDI and Digital Recording)

*** Lesson Details ***
I am a laid back, but focused instructor. I use a variety of methods to best improve my students strengths and lessen their weaknesses. After three to six months , most students will be comfortable playing in rhythm and understanding basic harmony.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in the music room, guitar, electric bass, amps, computer with recording equipment, protools, logic and ableton live

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will bring a bass or guitar. They must have an instrument and some form of amplifier.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Jazz

Hall debut with the Zephyr Duo as a prize winner in the Artists International Competition. Both as a solo artist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout the Metropolitan New York area in venues such as Trinity Church, Mannes and Manhattan Schools of Music, the Connell Library, Drew University, Watchung Art Center, Summit Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands Chamber Music Series and others. Her performances also included appearances at Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, PA, Solstice Festival at Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Benefit concerts for New Sussex Symphony, Bucks County Symphony and NJ Symphony orchestras, as well as chamber music recitals at Livingston Music Club, Women's Club in Glen Ridge, Temple University.

Ms. S. currently maintains a private piano studio. She is an active member of Music Educators Association of New Jersey and sits annually on a panel of judges for the association.

Teaching Philosophy:

I believe that learning to play an instrument should be an integral part of every child's education. Music enriches emotional and intellectual development, provides a source of joy and fulfillment. My teaching philosophy is based on emphasizing individuality of each student. I teach students ages 5 through adult, and try to find a way to make it interesting, exciting, intellectually stimulating and rewarding for each individual.

- I incorporate elements of Suzuki method into my teaching for young beginners combining it with traditional Russian school methods and various others depending on student's needs.

- I believe in providing strong technical basis for piano playing and teach my students skills and tools to make practicing on their own efficient.

- I include music theory, ear-training, and elements of music history into my piano lessons

- I prepare my students to participate in annual MEA auditions, as well as recitals and competitions. I am an enthusiastic and devoted teacher who loves sharing my knowledge and creates an environment in which a student can learn and grow.

in your individual gifts. My students have gone on to study voice in college and university, perform in musical theater, sing in rock bands, children and adult choirs and even win a competition or two. I love hearing my students perform, and feel that an opportunity to sing in front of others builds confidence and ability. I take pride in arranging recitals for my students who would like this opportunity.

*** Lesson Details ***
My lessons with always begin with warm ups and technique. We'll also focus on an important principal topic, such as breath and support, vowel placement or expression. We'll use some exercises that I have already, or perhaps a new one just for your needs (once I get to know your voice) to help you achieve our goals. We'll then work on 1-2 songs. You'll probably have picked one, and I may have picked one. The concept that we worked on in our technique session will be applied directly to the songs you are working on. You can learn so many different things in each song, we may practice your songs, using a different goal in several different lessons.
All of my students get a chance to perform in occasional "vocal class" settings, where you can sing your favorite songs for one another, in a fun, laid back environment. All students are welcome to participate in an annual recital for their family and friends too! Piano lessons are designed to suit your needs. We can work on the basics for classical playing, read chords, jazz improv and more.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have my own music studio set up in my apartment. On teaching days, my living room can be a comfortable waiting room for parents/guardians. You are all most welcome to relax, have a cup of tea or coffee and listen to our lessons. I do ask that you do not sit inside the studio (at least not after the first lesson) as this can be distracting for your child. My studio is equipped with a music stand, upright piano, work sheets for theory, pencils and crayons. I also have a full Broadway and classical music library that students can borrow from, CD/DVD's that can be borrowed, and a New Grove Reference set.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I bring some music, until we assess the student's needs, then they may buy some books, while I provide the rest. I bring theory worksheets, stickers, pencils etc. If a student would like to sing/play a particular song (Broadway/pop etc) I may have it in my music library.If I do not, the student will need to purchase the music they would like to sing. The student would need a keyboard/piano in their home should I travel. I have a piano in my home.

*** Specialties ***
Classical singing, Musical Theater, Jazz, music for young children, pop singing, audition preparation, beginning music for adults.

h to music education, which focuses on gesture, improvisation, coordination, and command over the musical language.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Steinway upright, couch, and plant

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will provide books for the lesson, xeroxes for students, pencils, staff paper, etc. Students should buy or copy music as appropriate.

*** Specialties ***
Piano: beg to adv - prefers inter to adv

I am trained in Dalcroze Education, which is an approach to music education that uses movement to connect what the ear hears and what the mind knows. In the piano lesson, I draw from what I have developed in the classroom, including improvisation, dis-ordination, kinaesthetic awareness, and notation.

.

Americas, and the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra.

d of improvisation. Self-taught, he was driven by friends to learn standards and allow his true artistry to come out in the medium of sound.

As a senior in high school, he attended the Manhattan School of music Pre-College on a full scholarship. Through new motivations, Abdulrahman is now an alumnus of the 2015 Grammy Band and Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, which added a new color to his senior experience. He now attends the Manhattan School of Music on a full scholarship as part of the class of 2019. Abdulrahman was named a 2016 jazz finalist in Youngarts, is currently an alumnus of the Banff Jazz Workshop for creative music as well as the Betty Carter Jazz ahead workshop, and is now on a path to harness his craft and spread love and peace around the world. He is now a new member of the GRAMMY winning band "Arturo O' Farill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra" and is the youngest in the band. Abdulrahman has played at numerous festivals and venues including the Jazz Standard, Smalls Jazz Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Metropolitan room, Shapeshifter Lab, An Die Musik, Monterey Jazz Festival, Montclair Jazz Festival, as well as the Detroit Jazz Festival. Abdulrahman has also shared the stage with many notable artists and bands including Jazzmeia Horn, Tyshawn Sorey, Frank Lacy, The Mingus Big Band, Conscious Collective, Dave Koz, Ted Nash, and even Wynton Marsalis. Now leading his own band, Abdulrahman will allow his art and the trombone to guide his path.

l BACHELOR degree in Brazilian Jazz Studies and Classical Composition from UNICAMP (2004-2011, Campinas - SP, Brazil), a MASTER OF MUSIC degree in Studio Jazz Writing from the Frost School of Music - University of Miami (2011-2013), and a DOCTORATE OF MUSICAL ARTS degree in Jazz Composition also from University of Miami (2013-2016).

e with the likes of Sean Jones, Joshua Redman, Jason Moran, as well as Leonard Slatkin.

I would love to get to know what you or your student's learning goals are! Please feel free to contact me at your convenience so we can start making great music!