Yonkers, NY Music Recording Lessons

mance major at West Chester University in P.A. for three semesters and it was there that I realized that I wanted to teach piano. I've always been extremely creative and patient, so I thought teaching piano would be a perfect fit for me and it turned out that I was right! I also have had many other jobs working with children, such as being a camp counselor and a nanny for several different families and now I’m a mom as well ! I decided I wanted to write and perform my own music in an original band as well. So I decided to leave West Chester and began several of my own original musical projects and solo performance acts. I've played the piano/keyboard, wrote music/lyrics, sang lead and backup vocals or did a combination of the above.
During this time I worked closely with other advanced teachers and musicians to gain other methods, styles and techniques of playing and teaching music. I found out very quickly that playing a keyboard while standing up is both stylistically and technically different then sitting at the piano,
I'm patient, creative, positive and fun to work with and I really enjoy teaching. I love working with children and I'm passionate about passing my love of music along to my students. I also love to explore improvisation with students and song writing if the student and parents(s) are interested. I myself try to always be open to change and growth. I feel that if you think you already know everything, that you’re not open to learning..and should be).
If you feel your child and I would be a good fit, please feel free to call me. I'm always open for questions and conversation. :~)

*** Lesson Details ***
I specialize in teaching classical piano to students of all ages, including extensive experience in teaching autistic, special-needs and disabled children.
Sensitive to individual needs and abilities, I prepare students with curriculum, lesson plans and weekly assignments on a one-on-one basis.
Curriculum may include technique, sight reading, theory, ear training, scales, NYSSMA and performance/recital preparation. Working with both students and their parents together we can determine individual goals for each student.
Scheduling is maintained and coordinated to accommodate students and their families.
In the first three to six months, my intention is to instill a good practice ethic.
Students will be positive and motivated towards playing their instrument.
They will have a basic understanding of theory, scales and technique.
Additionally, students will be able to play a small repertoire of pieces.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, my lessons are organized, productive and most of all - fun!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons in a recording studio. Where you have a choice of an acoustic upright piano or a digital Yamaha keyboard. I also own a farfisa organ and a moog synthesizer.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I always try to get a feeling from each individual student as to which series of beginner books will work best for them. Obviously if the student is more advanced (and already working on a specific piece) please bring that with you to the lesson. There are so many beginner books to start out with. I like to have a lesson book, a theory book and a technic book as well. Once the student has learned the basics, I like to occasionally let them choose a fun song (pop or rock) as a reward for working on the classical criteria that I prefer. I find it helps keep them motivated to plat their favorite songs to their friends and have some fun. (even though that would be work as well).

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical music for piano study. I have taught the Suzuki method with a few very young students. I have also taught other styles such as rock and roll , some Broadway songs and top 40 upon request. I also teach some students different styles of songwriting techniques.

learned! If you commit to mastering the basics and practicing on a consistent basis you will be playing to your heart's desire in no time.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, Keyboard, Seating

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need a notebook/paper and pencil

*** Specialties ***
Classical, Pop/Contemporary

folk, punk, and experimental music. In my free time I like to circuit bend.

*** Lesson Details ***
When you take lessons from me expect to be inspired and pushed. I thoroughly love teaching music and want the best for my students. I try my best to involve and invite students to join or listen to live music ensembles, recitals, and performances of different genres. I teach all styles of music for voice, piano, and guitar. I am very diligent with practicing, teaching you how to practice, and keeping track of it. In 3 or 6 months you will have a basic understanding of music theory and a solid foundation of piano, voice, or guitar techniques. I thrive to boost self esteem and confidence in all the students that I teach. I also teach composition, students really enjoy writing their own songs and performing them.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide a guitar. I expect students that want voice or piano lessons to have some kind of keyboard in working condition.

*** Specialties ***

As a member of of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) I am able to give your students great resources and opportunities to enter competitions.

I am also a member of New York State Music Teachers Association.

I am also a Pro Tools certified user.

elPriora, chair of the Guitar Department at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a master degree in composition. His mentors include composers Susan Botti, Reiko Fueting, and electronic music pioneer Joel Chadabe. He earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida, where he studied jazz guitar with Tom Lippincott, and composition with Susan Epstein-Garcia.

Juan is also an avid cartoonist, collector of rare books and little cars, food adventurer and runner.

*** Lesson Details ***
Guitar teaching encompasses many disciplines. One has to be a bit of a psychologist in order to gauge a potential student needs and musical sensibilities. The mathematical aspect of musical notation and rhythm makes us part mathematicians. In the end, there is also a self-actualizing aspect to guitar teaching in the sense that we are always witness to those moments that made us decide a career on music.
During my years of guitar teaching I have encountered many types of students, and I have learned from them as much as they have learned from me as they make me question aspects of music that I would have never thought about. I have learned to not take for granted the definition of concepts such as rhythm and harmony, and to look at guitar technique from different perspectives as I find ways to accommodate to a student’s capabilities. Ultimately, it is also a job that requires a lot of planning and structure. My first step, generally, is to assess the student’s ability and interest to find material suitable for them. Then, I proceed to familiarize with the student’s musical tastes and sensibilities to assign practice material accordingly. For example, if the student is interested in rock or pop music, we will work on a particular song that fits his level and also solves a particular technical problem. During that process I will answer any of the student’s questions, and provide insight into musical terminology. We will also work on basic concepts of rhythm, melody, and harmony. My training as a composer and jazz guitarists also enables me to tap into the student’s creative side. In that case, we would start with a basic blues progression and blues scales, and work on the basics of improvisation or songwriting.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio w/ small keyboard, amp, acoustic guitar, 3 electric guitars, music books w/ seating for parents and lots of magazines!

*** Travel Equipment ***
I provide music sheets, students should have an instrument, tuner, paper, pencil, and a metronome.

*** Specialties ***
I teach fundamentals of music theory, principles of jazz improvisation, classical guitar technique and repertoire, song writing, pop songs, sight reading, and overall musicianship, as well as Jazz, Rock, Blues, Bossa Nova, and other Latin Styles.

n Manhattan as well as a small mixing studio in my Brooklyn apartment, and I'm happy to show students the ins and outs of recording along with theory and guitar technique.

*** Lesson Details ***
Music is fun!!! I strive for all my students to enjoy themselves, to have a great time learning about the world of music.
I use a song-based approach to guitar playing. Armed with just a small vocabulary of chords, you can play hundreds of great songs. My students will determine the course of their lesson plan by selecting songs they want to learn. While maintaining proper technique and effective practice methods, we will learn the fundamentals of the guitar by playing the music that we love. After 6 months, you will know all the basic chords, and the fundamentals of playing a solo. As lessons progress, you also learn song structure and some basic harmonic theory so you can begin creating on your own.

*** Travel Equipment ***
The student is expected to provide his or her own guitar.

*** Specialties ***
Jazz, ear training, songwriting, theory

stead of above them.I have help students to get into bands and become songwriters. I show students how to practice within 15 minutes and become productive in ideas and have fun in the process all ages could have fun. I am one of those individuals who love to teach music and my reward is when you learn and feel good about your studies in the instrument so my last words to conclude in all of this is “have fun and enjoy the beauty of music.”

I am emphatic about learning music I cover all the grounds in music such as theory the basics to harmony and my favorite songwriting and get you to play what you like
I have worked with all ages and the one thing I know in the beginning is to make that student feel comfortable and to get the attention from that student so they can learn, play, and most importantly have fun with it.
I show students time management in their studies how to practice in such a little time I plan each lesson and if the lesson is not right for that day I quickly go into a second plan. I can always detect if the plan does not go well because there is one thing a teacher must know and that is to teach in the level of the student and not beyond so they can succeed properly and move on to the next level.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Private teaching studio in a finished basement a whole drum kit, 3 keyboards, has several guitars and a bass for students to use at his home, microphones for voice and plenty of music stands

*** Specialties ***
Teaching bands how to write songs and record as well as instructions on instruments

onal tours, released albums, are in bands, have been accepted into performing arts schools (high schools and colleges), have been cast in regional/Off-Off-Broadway/Off-Broadway Theatre, movies (Noah, The Wolf Of Wall Street, Finally Famous), music videos, and on TV (Royal Pains, Smash, 30 Rock, The Good Wife, Law and Order: SVU, & NBC's The Voice competition).

Owner/Teacher: Rachel M.
SAG-AFTRA, VASTA, NATS (certified), NARAS, NAMTA, BMI, MAC, NJMEA, NAfME. NJ Theatre Alliance, & Certified Artist Developer with Conquer Entertainment,
16+ years of teaching to children - teens - adults (Ages 6+ group classes, 8+ private lessons)

RACHEL M.'S BIO:

Rachel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS certified), VASTA (Voice And Speech Trainers Association), NARAS (The Grammy Awards), NAMTA, NJMEA (New Jersey Music Educators Association), NAfME (National Association of Music Education), NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association,) MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs), The NJ Theatre Alliance, NSA (Nashville Songwriting Association International), and BMI (Broadcast Music Inc). She has been teaching Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer and Stella Adler-Stanislavsky-Chekhov-Meisner acting technique for all mediums for 16+ years to children, teens, and adults.

Rachel has trained at The Hages Music Studio under a master teacher for 22+ years in the Bel Canto singing technique for all genres, studied at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in NYC as well as recorded and released her first album called "Just Meant To Be". Other credits include commercials, films, TV shows (One Tree Hill, AMC, Food Network), music videos (including Rachel's singles "Don't Even Try", "You Will Love On"), & numerous stage credits (Off-Broadway/NYC Theatre). Rachel most recently was seen in the reading of a new play "Vanishing Son" by Peter Gil-Sheridan performed in NYC. She is also a songwriter (16+ years), scriptwriter (10+ years), director (14+ years), and an international recording artist (10+ years).

Rachel has been performing for 20+ years, has performed in front of sold out crowds, and has been honored with many standing ovations. Other honors include magazine covers, featured articles, singing to thousands of people, studio recordings/albums, originated the role of "Antigone" in "Oedipus: The Musical", 2002 Helen Hayes Nomination for" Outstanding Vocal Performance in a Musical" ("Miss Adelaide" in "Guys And Dolls"), & 2008 finalist for NYC Singing Idol Competition. Rachel has also been fortunate to have worked & performed with many people in the business including Grammy-Tony-Emmy Award Winners/Nominees.

LESSON DETAILS

Whether you are a parent looking for instruction for your child, or for yourself, Rachel can customize the right program that best suits your needs. Her students come from all walks of life and have different goals, but they all have one thing in common. They love performing and have the desire to be the best at their chosen craft (singing/acting).

Some students want to sing/act for themselves, others want to sing/act for a hobby, and others want to be professional performers. That's where Rachel comes in. No matter what your goals are, she can help. Rachel teaches her students how to become true artists without tearing them down and without taking away the part of them that makes them unique. She teaches healthy technique that is based off of the human anatomy; the science of how the body/mind works and how the body/mind can work as efficiently as possible while singing or acting.

Learning how to sing/act is a process and doesn't happen overnight. Rachel's ultimate goal as a teacher is to not only make her students the best performers and singers they can be, but also give them all of the proper tools they need to have a more productive mind frame and become self-sufficient. Of course this can take years to master. It takes time and dedication.

OTHER LESSON INFORMATION

SINGING: Bel Canto singing technique for the modern singer is taught in private and group classes. No one sounds like old opera singers, even if the student wants to sing opera. Students are allowed to choose most of the material they learn in the lesson. There will be times when Rachel will suggest a song to a student but if the student doesn't enjoy the song, they will work as a team to find a song that does work for the student. Gain a better tone quality, complete control of your voice, bigger range, more flexibility, and confidence. Learn healthy voice technique, how to fully take care of your own voice so you can sing for the rest of your life (even after lessons), and become a self sufficient performer for life.

ACTING: Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, and Meisner Acting Technique for Theatre/Camera is taught in private and group classes. All students are exposed to each technique and Rachel sees which technique each student responds to the most. Once the student and Rachel are able to identify the technique, Rachel continues to use the terminology of that technique for the remainder of the time the student is in lessons. Students eventually are able to play roles truthfully and realistically, even if the roles are opposite of the student's own personality.

BY THE TIME STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM LESSONS:

1. Gain a lifelong, solid, consistent, and healthy technique that they can always count on in practice and performance.

2. Gain specific technical and personal notes in a notebook and/or computer file that is organized and always accessible for review.

3. Gain artistry, performance skills, and a strong voice that will look/sound authentic; Singers will sound appropriate to whatever style of music they are singing. (No fake sound or look.) Actors will just be in the moment and truthful whether they are on stage or in front of the camera.

4. Gain the confidence to always put on a great performance.

5. Gain focus and a more productive mind frame.

6. Become self-sufficient by knowing how to assess a problem and then fix it without creating a new issue.

*** Studio Equipment ***
PRIVATE HOME STUDIO: Keyboard, speakers (smartphone, iPod, iPad), CD player, tape recorder/player, digital recorder, music stand, mirror, laptop, sheet music selections, HD video camera, tripod, video editing software, audio editing software, USB microphone, and high speed WiFi internet. Full PA, two mixers (one mixer with 8 inputs and the other with 4), 8 Lavaliere microphones ("body mics"), multiple hand held microphones, laptop stand, and music stands.

**ASK ABOUT ON LOCATION TRAINING (ON SET, THEATER, PERFORMANCE EVENT, OR RECORDING STUDIO)!

**ONLINE LESSONS ALSO AVAILABLE!

*** Specialties ***
We specialize in Bel Canto voice technique for the modern singer. Each student can sing all genres without sounding too classical, "fake", and without losing their voice while singing for long periods of time.

Other Specialties: Teaching acting technique for theatre-TV-Film (Stella Adler, Stanislavsky, Chekhov, & Meisner), performance skills, songwriting, and creating self-sufficient singers-actors-performers (Artist Development).

STUDIO POLICIES-

CANCELLATION: 48 hour lesson cancellation policy and emergencies (determined by me) are handled on a case by case basis. If the student needs to miss a lesson due to an other activity or vacation, they or their parents/guardian if under 18, must contact Rachel Menconi at least a week from their next scheduled lesson in advance to prevent from forfeiting the lesson.

MAKE UPS: Make up lessons will be scheduled when time allows. No make up lesson or class will be given to ‘no shows’ or late cancellation, and no extra time will be given to students who are late to their lesson or class. If there is ever a time Rachel Menconi is running late, extra time will be given to make the lesson a full 60 minutes. If Rachel Menconi needs to reschedule, a make up lesson will be scheduled as close to the same week as possible. Make up lessons are scheduled at Rachel Menconi’s discretion.

ONLINE LESSONS FOR IN-PERSON LESSON CLIENTS: In the event that the student is sick but still would like their lesson, an online lesson can be scheduled instead. Students can NOT come to their in person lesson sick, coughing, sneezing, with a runny nose, cold, flu, “allergies”, fever, etc. (This is to make sure no germs will be spread).

An online lesson can also be scheduled if there is bad weather, if a student is having car trouble, or any other reason for the student not being able to physically get to Rachel during their normallly scheduled lesson time. Online lessons are conducted through FaceTime, Google, Hangouts, or Skype.

SCHEDULE:
Lessons are weekly, on the same time/day of the week unless we have rescheduled or we have discussed in writing another lesson plan. If the student’s lesson falls on a holiday, we will either reschedule or if no other day is available, resume the following week.

LATENESS:
If a student is going to be late they need to contact Rachel Menconi as soon as possible, to let her know they will be late. Lessons will end on time unless she is able to extend the lesson due to a late student or her schedule allows for it though please understand, Rachel Menconi would be extending a courtesy and would not be obligated to do so. If on the rare occasion Rachel Menconi is running late, she will always make up the time.

SITTING IN:
Parents/Guardians are ONLY permitted to stay for the first lesson and are NOT permitted to sit in for any other lesson/class unless invited. This is to promote good/strong teacher-student relationship quickly and easily. Also, many times students feel more comfortable when their parents/guardians leave.
Of course there will be times when the parent will be invited back in at the end of some of the lesson to showcase progress.

"I try to be as fair as possible to both parties when it comes to cancellations, rescheduling, lateness, and make ups. Have a concern or question? Just talk with me. I'm all about communication!" - Rachel Menconi

usic to Your Home

Having trouble finding the right teacher locally?
Webcam lessons/online live guitar lessons are also a possibility. Good for long distance lessons, late night/off hour lessons....

* All ages
* Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced
* In My Home - Stony Point
* In your home- Rockland County(Stony Point, Nanuet, Nyack, New City, Pearl River, Congers,Pomona...)
* Pop *Rock *Blues *Jazz
* Music Theory *Harmony * Reading/Sightreading *Rock & Jazz Improv *Ear training
* Computer Recording - GargeBand, Logic, Guitar Rig, Sibelius
* Midi Guitar

With my past experience in Music Retail sales, I can help you with purchasing guitars, effects, and equipment. I call also help you use any equipment or music software.

I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor's of Music(B.M.) in performance. I also have studied guitar with Steve Khan, John Abercrombie, Bill Connors and Ken Hatfield.

My Rock influences include Alex Lifeson, Neil Geraldo(Pat Benatar), Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck....

Jazz influences include Steve Khan, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Michael Brecker, Chic Corea, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino.....

and Rory Stuart’s Advanced Rhythm Ensemble where he first met
and collaborated with young rising jazz stars pianist James Francies, vibraphonist Joel Ross, and drummer Jeremy Dutton.

Now an honors graduate, Emi continues gaining recognition in the modern jazz scene as a rising contemporary improviser, composer, and arranger leading/sidemanning gigs and teaching in the greater New York area.