
Cory P.

Teaching Locations:

About Cory P.
I have been the principal bassist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 2017 and professor of double bass at Nazareth College since 2019.
I grew up around Atlanta, GA and started playing piano when I was around 7 years old and bass and guitar when I was 11. Most of my education has been on the upright bass. I've studied classical bass performance at major music schools on the east coast and in the midwest. I've studied and worked with musicians from many of the great orchestras around the world.
I enjoy working with students who are just coming to the bass, guitar, or piano for the first time and getting them started with music in a rewarding way as well as more advanced students that need finer musical direction or audition coaching.
*** Lesson Details ***
I try to keep a relaxed environment while still being motivating and inspiring. I tailor lessons around what the individual student's goals are. There are materials that I like to use with most students but I'm open to using anything that meets the needs and desires of the student.
I try to find a nice balance of technique work and music. It's important to develop healthy technique from the very beginning. It's very easy to develop bad habits that can have serious health risks down the road (i.e. tendonitis, carpal tunnel, back pain, etc.) that can make it difficult if not impossible to keep playing. I've spent many years undoing bad habits that I developed from the first years that I played bass without any formal instruction. Yoga, Alexander technique, massage, and many great teachers have helped me overcome the issues I had and have helped me develop healthy habits. I try to pass this education on to my students so that they can have an enjoyable and healthy experience with music for the rest of their lives.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano and music stand. Living room with seating for parents.
The students need to provide their own bass and bow or guitar and music.
*** Specialties ***
Classical. I have studied with members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic and my teaching and playing reflect the traditions of these teachers and orchestras.
Reviews
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Cory was an awesome & patient piano teacher for my 4 year old son. He did hands on training and gave him work to do on his own which helped tremendously! Thanks Cory!!!!

My experience with Cory has been excellent. He is a good teacher who knows how to keep me going and understands my goals. I have temporarily with- drawn from the program as the erratic nature of my life and travel requirements makes it difficult for me to schedule reliably. Also, some problems with the communication software have, at times, made the learning difficult. Please understand that my decision to stop is in no way a reflection on Cory or his teaching ability. I will be glad to re-connect with him when conditions permit.

This guy is terrific - much more patient than I could be. Every time I start to hide in a comfort zone he finds a way to push me out of it and make me improve.

This man is very patient with me who is a guy with somewhat limited talent. He knows his stuff and communicates very well.

This guy is terrific - patient, caring and knows how to teach. I'm actually beginning to be comfortable with a difficult instrument.

This man is taking me through an exquisite struggle and building my confidence. Thanks!

For the second time in a row we have been unable to coordinate the communication using this software or Facetime. Someone please get back to me.

Cory was great. Unfortunately the software left something to be desired which we solved by switching to Face Time

very patient, talented. My 5 years daughter likes him very much.

Patient teacher for a young beginner. Cory knows how to teach a young kid.

Very patient teacher.
awesome teacher
great and very helpful teacher. his willingness to listen to your ideas is wonderful! couldn't have asked for a better teacher to learn from! grt job!
Great piano teacher
Cory was willing to take on the challenge of teaching my 4 year old daughter piano. She has now been in lessons for 1 year and is doing far better than I had imagined she would be doing at this point. She is already reading music, playing with both hands at the same time, and playing chords. Cory is very patient and kind and my daughter really enjoys taking lessons with him.
caring, patient, reliable teacher
Always patient, positive and upbeat. Tailors the lesson plan to fit the needs of the individual. A lot of progress made this year!
Excellent
Excellent person and a great teacher. Really patient and very accommodating.
Excellent and fun lessons
Cory is an excellent teacher. Easy going and highly skilled musician. He quickly found the level and pace to begin with for my lessons. I couldn't ask for a better teacher.
Great Instructor
Great Instructor! Great with kids.
Excellent teacher!
Excellent teacher! Very patient with beginners and gives great feedback. All comments and remarks are constructive. Tailors lessons to meet student's goals.
Had an awesome time
Photos & Videos
5 Photos & VideosExperience
Professor of Double Bass
Aug 2019 - PresentNazareth College
Principal Bass
Sep 2017 - PresentRochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Section Bass
Nov 2012 - May 2017West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Assistant Principal Bass
Sep 2011 - May 2017Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra
Section Bass
Jan 2016 - Apr 2017Sarasota Opera
Principal Bass
Oct 2012 - May 2016Canton Symphony Orchestra
Education
Performance Residency Program
Aug 2009 - Dec 2010Carnegie Mellon University
Master of Music, Orchestral Performance Program
Aug 2007 - May 2009Manhattan School of Music
Master of Music, Music Performance
Aug 2005 - May 2007Peabody Conservatory (Johns Hopkins University)
Bachelor of Music, Music Performance
Aug 2001 - May 2005Michigan State University
Affiliations
American Federation of Musicians
Oct 2004Let Our Student Counselors Help You
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