Valley Stream, NY Music Performance Lessons

er of Music in Vocal Performance where I maintained a full studio of undergraduate voice minors as a Graduate Teaching assistant.

I took my first pedagogy class at UD and began teaching voice lessons at the Community Music School during my junior year. My experience as a teaching assistant shaped me into the teacher that I am today. I love teaching and helping students reach goals! With my thorough pedagogical training and varied performance experience, I have a great deal to offer my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
During my time with you, I strive to assist you in taking risks, discovering the joy of music, and making progress with your singing. No matter what your goals are - All-State Choir, opera, musical theatre, or just having fun, I love helping you reach them. By looking at different genres of vocal music, we will focus on many different aspects of singing, from music theory, to expressive performance, to the foundation of healthy singing.

I believe that every student is unique and learns in his or her own way. Therefore, I tailor the pace and focus of lessons on your interests and abilities. I believe it is integral for all students to have an understanding of music theory and therefore, work on theory and sight-reading. In addition, I think a well-rounded musical education is key, and will work on an array of genres with you including folk songs, art songs, and musical theatre. We will work on 2-5 songs at once, and will consider a song "learned" once you can perform a song from memory.

Words are what separate the voice from any other instrument. Therefore, I will work with you on ways to examine the poetry and lyrics of each song in order to portray the message of the words.

*** Specialties ***
I feel equally at home working on musical theatre and classical styles with students. I have experience working on both with students.

tial scholarship to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and relocated to NYC shortly after graduating.

Her unique music, performances, art and internet videos have won many awards and critical acclaim.

She has performed her music and written segments and songs for television (including ABC’s “Good Morning America”, MTV’s “I Bet You Will”, Fox News “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld”, IFC's "Comedy Music Hall of Fame", HGTV's Flea Market Flip, TBS’s “Saving Grace” website and “The Tyra Banks Show”), radio (including "The Dr. Demento Show", "The Jackie Martling Show", WFMU's "Spreading Yourself Thin with Jessica D" and “The Opie and Anthony Radio Show” on SiriusXM, BBC’s “Loose Ends Radio Programme” and BBC’s “The Simone Show” in the UK), feature films (including “What Would Jesus Buy?” directed by Morgan Spurlock), commercially for major clients and also on stages across the US and the UK (including London’s prestigious Soho Theatre, NYC’s Irving Plaza, Joe’s Pub and The Bowery Ballroom as John Waters’ opening act, and LA’s Troubadour).

*** Lesson Details ***
Jessica brings a lot of fun to her lessons. She is like a cool aunt or a big sister who likes to have a good time but who also wants to teach you to play guitar or ukulele and sing, hopefully at the same time. Jessica's laid back style and attention to your needs as a student will help you reach your goals, whatever they may be. Together, you will go as fast or as slow as is comfortable for you. Jessica works with classic rock, pop, folk and all your favorite songs as your step ladder for learning. Jessica also can help you develop your own musical style and teach you to write YOUR OWN SONGS from beginning to end, if that is of interest to you.

*** Studio Equipment ***
amp, microphone, keyboard, guitar, ukulele, music stands

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and Ukulele. Students can rent instruments initially but must get their own, as soon as possible

*** Specialties ***
Classic stringed instruments such as acoustic / electric guitar and ukulele, and several unusual instruments such as singing saw and electronic and standard autoharp, singing, songwriting and guidance on how to monetize your band, including acquiring sponsorships and arranging local and international tours.

***What Are Lessons Like?***
Student(s) and teacher sit together and start with the basics, then move on to learn others' songs (The Beatles or other classics are a good place to start) and then may even try to compose original songs, if that is of interest.

***Affiliations***
Women In Music
ASCAP
The Recording Academy, Associate Member
Comedy Musician's Coalition

rance
2010 Received NYFA winner
2009- Performed in Stockholm Sweden for Nobel prize ceremony for Herta MullerPerformed at Vertretung des Landes in Berlin with Satoshi Takeishi/ Michael Schiefel
Performed at The Kitchen NY with Mendi+Keith's electric ghost with Dance company
Performed at JCC Manhattan, Galapagos with Eve Sicular
Performed at Roulette in NY concert with Satoshi Takeishi
Performed at City Winery with Eve Sicular Metropolitan Klezmer
Performed at Joe's Pub in NY with Sanda Weigl/ Romanian Gypsy music
Performed and curated at Roulette in NY benefit concert with Okkyng Lee, Elliot Sharp, Satoshi Takeishi
Performed at The Brecht Forum with Composer Laura Andel
Performed at The Stone in NY with Satoshi Takeishi
Performed at The Stone, Glassland, Union pool in NY with Miho Hatori
Japan tour 09' with Satoshi Takeishi
Performed at The Stone in NY concert with Miya Masaoka, Okkung Lee
Performed at Santago Jazz festival with Heys Greendfeild
Performed at Drom in NY with Sanda Weigl/ Eve Sicular
2008- Performed in Finland "Tampere jazz festival" with Matana Roberts
Performed at Knitting factory NY "Winter festival" with Matana Roberts
Performed at Moes theater in Chicago with Sanda Weigl
Performed at Illinois University in Chicago with Sanda Weigl
Performed at Joe's Pub in NY with Sanda Weigl
Performed at Roulette in NY benefit concert with Okkyng Lee
Japan tour 08' with Satoshi Takeishi
7/12-8/6 Performed at Santago Jazz festival with Heys Greendfeild
Performed at Barbes in NY with Sanda Weigl
Performed at Cornelia Street cafe in NY with Sanda Weigl
Performed in Canada "Solpolo festival" with Matana Roberts
Performed at Drom in NY with Lev
Performed at Drom in NY with Sanda Weigl
2007- Performed Shoko's "Vortex" at Blue Note in NYC
Performed Shoko's "Ephemeral" at Roulette for composers series in NYC
Performed at Brooklyn College Shoko's "Ephemeral" in Brooklyn
Performed at Resfest in Brasil SaoPaulo with Miho Hatori (Cibo Matto)
Performed in Brasil Rio with Miho Hatori
Performed at Museum fine arts in Houston, Texas with Miho Hatori
Performed at Webster Hall with Miho Hatori in NYC
Performed at The Stone with Miho Hatori in NYC
Performed at Highline Ballroom with Miho Hatori in NYC
Performed at Tonic with Miho Hatori in NYC
Performed at Jazz Gallery with Matana Roberts Group in NYC
Scored music for a French movie " L ' Amour Cache' " ( directed by Isabelle Huppert ) with Butch Morris
Scored music for a Japanese movie " Starfish Hotel" ( directed by John Williams ) with Satoshi Takeishi

2005- Received a grant from Philadelphia Music project (Painted Bride Art Center) Grant for jazz jaunts a project in which seven jazz artists will compose and premiere compositions that incorporate musicical traditions from trier cultural roots, spanning South Africa, Cuba, Brazil, South India, Iraq, Japan, and Jewish Diaspora.

2009- Film ScoredUS/JAPAN security treaty documentary film music"ANPO" directed by Linda Hoaglund2006- Japanese Film music "Starfish Hotel" directed by John Williams
Teaching:2003- 2010 Teaching group and private lessons on piano at Florentine Music School in NYC.
2005- Substitute as dance accompanist at 92Y in NYC.1999-2004 Teaching private lessons on piano at Victory Music Studio in Staten Island.1996-1999 Teaching private lessons on YAMAHA system on electric organ and piano in Boston.1991-1996 Teaching group and private lessons and workshop on electric organ and piano for 100 students per week in YAMAHA Music School in Japan.

*** Lesson Details ***
Methods Used
Yamaha Methods Suzuki Methods

Lesson Style
Any ages welcome, one on one piano lessons. Classic, jazz, Folk, rock, R&B any style for beginner to intermediate student.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Grand Piano

*** Specialties ***
I grow up in YAMAHA Music education in Japan. include dance, ear training, theory, singing, writing and performance. I know the process to make students to develop.

of seconds, or minutes.

FRIENDLINESS
I respect others and what they feel and have to say. I treat others as I would want to be treated and lessons are always a pleasure to my students, because it is a pleasure for me to teach them.

EXPERIENCE
I have been playing for over 26 years. I have played with a multitude of local orchestras and bands and have done countless studio recording sessions and live shows. All of this experience comes through in my teaching either directly (when it comes time for you to perform) or incrementally.

When you are learning, there is a vast sea of information. Not all of that knowledge is equal in importance. It is incredibly important to be able to distinguish what is important and what is not very important. All of my real-life experience, and continuing experience reveals itself in the form of ensuring my students know what is truly important.

Lest you get the idea that I am a wishy-washy, undemanding teacher, I can assure you this is not the case. Lessons are fun, but that is because they are productive. You will walk away being able to do something, and that requires hard work, and practice.

WHAT I EXPECT FROM MY STUDENTS
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.
And a winning attitude.

I can even work with you if you don't have a winning attitude, but it makes it more fun when you do!

HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT RESULTS?
Some students who were musicians previously leave the first lesson being able to play their first song. Most students however, who have never played an instrument before, can expect to be comfortable bowing (a huge part of the process - half the sound!) within the first few weeks, and will then move on to learning songs. We will be learning sheet music as well, on a very, very easy gradient. After the first couple months, I expect you to tell me which song it is you might like to learn most so that we can start working on it.

RENTALS
I rent out violins of all sizes.
I sell the book that I teach out of (or you can obtain it online or from Sam Ash).

If you have any questions, I am happy to answer them. You can use the contact button on this website and I will gladly answer you in return.

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.

s well. I try to show students that learning music is a lifelong pursuit that can provide all types of fun and personal fulfillment, in addition to being a potential career and social outlet. After 3-6 months, the student will be playing songs, good ones, not just scales. They will also have learned basics, such as chords and scales, as well as sight reading.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement converted into music studio with instruments, and piano and keyboard. Parents can sit in on lessons. Street parking available.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide all lesson materials, listening examples, and, on occassion, an instrument. I often use my laptop to play songs and tutorials for students (who don't buy records like we did in the old days.) Generally, students must provide instrument.

*** Specialties ***
I tailor my lessons based on three factors: a student's interests, their ability, and their amount of practice time. I do not use a cookie cutter method of teaching because each student is different. I have studied, formally and informally, rock, pop, blues, jazz and classical. My specialties are rock and blues. On occasion, I will use method books, such as the Schirmer books for piano, but only if the student clearly seems to benefiting from them.

afro-beat band led by former Femi Kuti drummer Tosin Aribisala. She has been featured on several albums including a recent recording with Bizzy Bone of Bone Thugs N’ Harmony.

In addition to performing, Andrea is also a passionate educator. She has run her private voice and piano studio for 10 years and also teaches at The Larchmont Music Academy, Compass Arts, and Victoria Children's Group nursery in New York.

In the fall of 2013, Andrea and her band traveled to Mumbai, India to serve as the inaugural faculty at the True School of Music for four months. Andrea served as Head of the Vocal Department. The faculty taught young adults age 17-21.

*** Lesson Details ***
I believe lessons should be fun and that the most important thing about music education is passing on and encouraging a love for music. Especially with young children, I am flexible and teach a broad range of musical skills to help keep the student interested and engaged.

For both voice and piano study, I believe in finding your own sound and am willing to work with you on whatever musical style you are drawn to, but I am a big advocate of learning proper technique, regardless of the genre.

Lessons will spend time working on both technique and repertoire. Students are encouraged to bring in music that they want to learn. If a student is not sure of what song or style he/she wants to work on, I have plenty of books to choose from. We'll discover what you love together!

I look forward to making music with you!

Andrea :)

Voice:
Ages 12 and up recommended.
For younger students, we will do a more general music/singing lesson as the vocal chords are simply not fully developed yet.

Piano:
Ages 4 and up.
For younger students (ages 4-10), I recommend 1/2 hour lessons. 45 minute lessons work well for ages 10-12.
Full hour lessons are recommended for students age 12 and up

*For lessons at home lessons (your home), a piano or keyboard (3 octaves at least) is required. I use it to accompany vocal students as well.

*** My Home Studio Equipment ***

upright piano

amplifier and microphone

recording equipment

guitar

bass

percussion instruments: djembe (drum), shakers, guiro.

*** Specialties ***

General vocal technique
Jazz vocals
Musical Theater vocals
R&B/Motown/Gospel vocals
Brazilian vocals (Portuguese and English)
Classical/choral vocals

Classical piano
Jazz piano (learning to read chord changes)

her countless opportunities to perform, to participate in event planning, and to experiment with new music and arranging. She grew up participating in her mother's studio recitals at home and enjoys an annual family tradition of organizing and performing Christmas programs at church. One of Catherine's projects during her studies at the Manhattan School of Music was the Symposium Concert Series, which has led her to perform in apartment homes around the city and build a community of young artists. She has made countless arrangements for solo viola and viola with various ensembles which she often performs.

Catherine resides in Brooklyn, New York with her husband, Lawrence. She plays on a Raymond J. Melanson viola made in 1987.

*** Lesson Details ***
I'm able to travel to the student's home or teach at my home. Parents are welcome to sit in the lesson.

*** Studio Equipment ***
N/A

*** Specialties ***
Patience

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!