Piano with Stan M.

Hi! I am a private music instructor offering lessons both in-studio and online. I hold a Bachelor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music, where I graduated Summa cum Laude, and I have over 36 years' full-time experience as an instructor. I also have over four decades of experience as a professional jazz, rock, and theater musician. My experience has taken me from nightclubs to concert stages to churches, as well as television studios, radio stations, and many recording studios. Finally, I am a published author with several titles dedicated to helping musicians becoming the best they can be. **** MY TEACHING STYLE **** My teaching style is often referred to as laid-back, gentle, informative, and very supportive. My focus is on enrichment, encouragement, and results. I don't work with “one-size-fits-all” methods. Each lesson is customized to make the most of each student's own unique abilities, limitations, preferences, and interests. Whether students prefer, or do better with, traditional materials, playing/singing along with their favorite recordings, improvisation, or anything in between, I am more than happy to accommodate and bring out each student’s best! I teach real music -- students begin playing music they love almost from day-one. For example, many of my piano and guitar students pride themselves on learning to play every song on the Beatles One album ... playing right along with the CD! Reading, playing by ear, improvisation (jamming), singing while you play ... there are so many ways to play and avenues to explore in music. **** MY STUDIO **** My studio is spacious (very spacious – no cubicles here!), well-appointed, and very quiet. Unlike music stores and multi-lesson facilities, there are no other lessons on the premises, no drummers going crazy on the other side of the wall. This means students can concentrate better and learn faster. There is also plenty of room for parents and siblings who may wish to sit in on lessons. **** STYLES / GENRES **** I believe that students make the most progress learning music they love and I am very happy to teach every student the style of music he or she loves most. My most requested genres are: pop, rock, country, blues, classic rock, jazz, and classical. Some students arrive knowing exactly what they want, but most are happy to explore various styles that interest them in search of the perfect fit. It is not at all uncommon for a student to spend part of their lesson polishing up a Beethoven piece or jazz standard, then finish up playing the chords to “Hotel California” along with the CD. Another student might start off their lesson learning a Taylor Swift hit, then move over to doing some blues improvisation. Variety is a wonderful thing and it is highly encouraged! **** MY STUDENTS **** Over the years, I have taught students from four years old to eighty-somethings. I’ve taught absolute beginners (most of my students start from square-one), hobbyists, seasoned professionals, even a Grammy nominee and a Grammy winner! Many of my young students have gone on to perform in school bands / jazz bands and/or professionally. In all cases, they acquire a skill that will last for a lifetime and provide joy, enrichment, and satisfaction. Do you have a song or two in your heart? Contact me today and I will help you reach your musical goals and have a very good time doing it!