Lesson Details
Stephen teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 4 to 70 and special needs
- Teaching since:
- February 1989
Stephen made his operatic debut in the title role of Gluck's Orfeo in Santa Barbara, CA. Other roles performed in the United States have been Oberon in Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream, the title role in John Eccles' The Judgement of Paris and Sesto in La Clemenza di Tito by Mozart. Among the roles sung in Europe were Orlolsky in Fledermaus, Bertarido in Rodelinda and Oberon in Sommernachtstraum. He has been a soloist in many Churches and Synagogues in the United States and Europe. Highlights have been Messiah, Elijah, St. Mathew Passion and Cantorial soloist for the Jewish High Holidays. He appeared in Summer Stock and played the guitar in a number of bands. Reviewers have cited Stephen's naturally full and warm timbre and his unforced agility.
Stephen has a strong interest and knowledge in vocal technique and maintains a studio in Manhattan. He has given many workshops on vocal technique and had a large studio in Amsterdam, Holland, where lived for six years. He taught music at the International School of Amsterdam and has taught voice, piano and guitar privately for more than twenty years. He has a master's degree from Manhattan School of Music and presently teaches voice, piano and guitar and also works with learning challenged adults and children in the Music School in New York City. He can coach broadway songs and diction for Opera arias in Italian, French and German!
*** Lesson Details ***
I'm pretty laid back and try to inspire my students to enjoy practicing and get excited about their progress. I tailor the lessons to the individual students interests and desires.
*** Studio Equipment ***
He has a piano, and guitar of course for guitar lessons.
*** Travel Equipment ***
small traveling keyboard available for voice lessons
*** Specialties ***
music, voice, Opera, piano, guitar
All levels, Really enjoy working with Beginners ...guitar, piano, singing
classical, opera, Broadway, pop, jazz, I'm a good voice builder! and motivator.
Experience
Music Teacher
Sep 1997 - PresentTaught elementary thru middle school classes in general music. Group Lessons in voice, guitar and piano. Conducted elementary chorus. Currently working in my seventh year teaching voice, guitar, piano and learning challenged classes in Bronx, New York
Education
Master of Music
Sep 1988 - Jun 1990Masters in Music
Sep 1988 - May 1990Languages
English
Awards
Second place
May 1999Affiliations
National Association of Teachers of Singing
Feb 2009Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members worldwide.
24 Reviews
Write a ReviewMy 10 year old son has no musical knowledge what-so-ever. We wanted him to have some basics, and he was curious about the guitar. Sadly our family isn't musical and it's hard to know where to start. We were lucky to have engaged Stephen. His calm, patient, encouraging approach has been the perfect complement to my son's temperament.
When I overhear snippets of exchanges during their lesson I am excited that my son is making connections and having a conversation about what he's learning. I can't support his instruction because of my complete inability to read sheet music—so I am particularly pleased that he seems to be making observations and taking small steps towards understanding something that confounds me.
My son looks forward to his time with teacher and (so far) is interested in practicing too. Of course we'd recommend Stephen!
Stephen is great!!!
My first session with Stephen was both technically and emotionally rewarding. He was both able to pass-on his musical expertise (his tips) and patiently encouraging my understanding of vocal technique.
I love music and especially singing, but I never knew how to sing correctly. Stephen has taught me how to use my voice, and sing properly to a tune. He is very proactive and has a really good ear, so don't expect him to not hear when you are making a mistake or improperly using your voice on a particular note. I have confidently began to sing songs I thought I would not sing, and have surprised myself astoundingly. If your dream is to sing well, then this is definitely the instructor for you!
+ Read MoreI learned more in my first lesson than I did with my previous singing teachers!
My first lesson was great! Stephen goes into great detail and is very encouraging. Being someone who has never sung before, and who doesn't like the sound of his voice, I'll admit that I left the class with more confidence than I had imagined I'd get from a first lesson.
+ Read MoreHe's wonderful!
He goes slowly and answers all my music questions and is patient when I'm stressed
Also brings me music that I want to play and encourages me never a negative word or attitude! Also flexible! My schedule changes and he's been so accommodating! Stephen is the best
Stephen is fantastic. I have always been afraid of singing. He totally cured me. He made it, fun, interesting and tailored to my needs.
Had a wonderful first lesson. Stephen is very patient and understand!
Stephen was very warm and welcoming. We enjoyed the exoerience
Great professor, very patient and with good techniques for beginners. I had a lot of fun on my first lesson!
Stephen is both knowledgeable and patient, and reinforces healthy singing technique throughout each lesson. Repeating the same information over and over must be taxing for a teacher but Stephen is very patient and supportive. I felt at ease and saw progress right away.
+ Read MoreStephen has been so helpful and encouraging! I needed to learn a song in one week for a wedding and wouldn't have been able to do it without him.
I took vocal lessons to improve my ear and add vocals to my guitar playing. I'm an adult student and don't have any formal musical training. My interest is in classic and modern rock music but also male soloist such as Sinatra.
After being 'school-teachered' by my first instructor I was a little discouraged about my ability to sing, and to get the nuances of musical theory.
Stephen helped build my confidence and got me singling whole songs quickly. He demonstrated simple techniques that enabled me to make the most out of my vocal range while being encouraging every step of the way. He accompanied my singling with piano changing from harmony to chords as I master the harmony and tempo. We added guitar from time to time.
Stephen's experiences as a professional musician gave me some insights in the art and craft of performance which we discussed between pieces.
I highly recommend Stephen.
I want to thank you, Stephen, for your knowledge, your way of teaching and your patience.
Stephen has been such a great teacher for my daughter, initiating her in guitar playing with lots of patience and encouragement. He is very positive and did a great job to motivate my daughter to practice and improve her skills. Thank you so much for all your work, Stephen!!
+ Read MoreStephen is a delightful teacher
Stephen is a patient, thoughtful and considerate singing coach. He has helped me 'find my voice' and continues to push me to stretch as a novice singer. He is always prepared and well organized. He is a joy to work with!
I can help you
"I can help you" were words like music to my ears. Stephen quickly found areas of my vocalization that I could change to make instant improvements. He's been great in getting my confidence up and making singing enjoyable.
Stephen is great! I have never had a lesson or played and he is patient and encouraging which is what I need.
Thank you Stephen
Stephen is a great teacher! I'm very blessed to have him as my teacher. He is patient and easy to understand. He isn't rude nor does he rush the learning process. He sets realistic goals and I'm so happy that he is able to instruct me in playing my guitar. I couldn't thank him enough.
Stephen showed me certain techniques when singing which produced a fuller sound. Great tips. Thank you.
Good Start
Stephen knows how to capture my daughter's interest -- by choosing music that she would enjoy singing, and knows how to motivate her even though she might be tired or uninterested in practicing vocalization exercises. We've already noticed an improvement in her singing. Kyra has a prettier, more melodic tone. Keep up the good work!
feed back for Stephen
Sinead loves her voice lessons, she is very comfortable with Stephen, He is a very good instructer. I personally think Stephen brings out the best in her. She cant wait to go each week.....
Stephen has been great with Jacob! Thanks for the connection.