Lesson Details
Thomas teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- February 2008
Thomas holds an associates degree in music performance from Nassau community college, and recently finished a bachelors degree in Music Education from Hofstra University. Thomas has also studied privately with many of the finest musicians New York City has to offer; including Martin Wind, Alan Hampton, Mike Frost, and many others. Thomas has extensive performance experience, from Orchestral music (Nassau Symphony Orchestra, Hofstra Symphony) to Jazz Combos and bigbands, as well as hard rock groups, Top 40/Dance, Salsa, Jambands, Reggae, and even Hiphop. Thomas has performed with and alongside many notable acts and musicians, such as The Wailers, Fishbone, Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Rainbow) The Deep, Joe DeMaio (Rihanna, The Mystic) Martin Wind, Ken Talve, and many more!
Teaching privately since 2008, Thomas has vast experience not only with a wide variety of students, but also of instruments; specializing in Strings and Percussion. He has helped students achieve excellent NYSSMA scores, as well as prepare for recitals and gigs of their own, and to equal merit has helped dozens of passionate hobbyists discover the delightful inner workings of the music they love. With such a wide variety of experience performing not only different styles of music, but also on several different instruments, he is well equipped to help any student grow to their fullest potential, from young beginners to adult professionals.
*** Lesson Details ***
I take a great amount of pride in what I do, and I am very proud of the results I have achieved with every single student. Lessons are planned on an individual basis, in order to facilitate success for every student, based on their own needs, requirements, interests, and goals.
With me, students will learn Etudes, Scales, Pieces, and anything else they wish to know! (including instrument upkeep, music history, ext.)
*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, Two drum sets, electric basses, guitar and bass amplifiers, guitars, two double-basses, over a dozen music theory books and music encyclopedias, and a Mac book.
*** Travel Equipment ***
students should have their own instrument for piano, guitar, bass lessons. I can provide a bass for double-bass lessons. I can provide an amplifier for all lessons, though I recommend the student have their own. I do own a travel drum set that can be transported to lessons upon request, but all drum students should own their own drum set to practice and perform on.
*** Specialties ***
I am experienced with Strings, (orchestral as well as electric guitar and bass), piano, and percussion.
Experience
Orchestra Teacher
Jun 2017 - PresentI am currently director of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Orchestras at Lakeside Elementary in Merrick, NY.
Orchestra Director, Music Teacher
Sep 2016 - Jun 2017For the 2016/17 school year, I was the 4th and 5th grade Orchestra Director for P.S. 89Q in Elmhurst, Queens. I also taught Music classes to students in grades K - 5.
Private Teacher
Jan 2013 - Sep 2016I taught guitar, bass, piano, and tutored in Music Theory at New World Music Center.
Student Teacher
Oct 2014 - Dec 2014I participated as a Student Teacher in East Lake Elementary. I taught instrumental music 4-6th grade.
Participant - Observer
Sep 2012 - Dec 2014I have observed and participated as a music teacher in Lindenhurst Middle School, Daniel Street Elementary, Grand Ave Middle School, and Massapequa Ames High School.
Student Teacher
Sep 2014 - Nov 2014I participated as a Student Teacher in POBP JFK High School and Middle School.
Education
Bachelors, Music Education K-12
Jan 2012 - Dec 2014Associates Degree, Music Performance
Jan 2009 - Jun 2012Languages
English
Certifications
New York State Teacher Certification
Dec 2014K-12 Music Education
Affiliations
National Association for Music Education
Jan 2014Founded in 1907, NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.
+ Read MoreAmerican String Teachers Association
Jan 2013The American String Teachers Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is a membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers. ASTA's members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides a vast array of services, including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, annual professional development opportunities, and access to collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
27 Reviews
Write a ReviewVery punctual always comes in with a smile .My daughter has such confidence because of the positive attitude and comments her gives to her . He notices little details that will help her improve her playing the way he communicates with her is awesome she does not feel bad about her mistakes I wanted her to take her time and not feel pressured to play the violin .Thomas will be a lovely music tutor to any child I am really fortunate to have found him for my daughter.
+ Read MoreAwesome instructor. My son is 7 years old and a beginner playing the piano. Thomas did a great job working with my son. He made him very comfortable learning an instrument. My son loves Thomas and looks forward to piano lessons.
Having piano lessons when I was very young and trying to start again as an adult, He understood exactly where I was at, what I wanted to get out of our sessions and pushed me to learn and go forward with confidence, in a fun and relaxed way. Highly recommend lessons with Thomas.
+ Read MoreThomas is so very patient with both myself and my 4 year old. He always has a smile on his face and seems to truly enjoy what he does.
Really great with my 7 yr old son. He is able to give challenging materials without having my son loose interest.
Thomas is a fantastic teacher. His approach to teaching music is exceptional. If you are dedicated and motivated you should definitely look to take lessons with Thomas. Thanks Thomas-
Diane Devita
Doug has special needs and sometimes has trouble focusing. Tom is very patient and works very well with him, he really enjoys and looks forward to the lesson and seems to be progressing well. Good communicator and always on time. Thanks a bunch :)
Thomas is great. My 5-year old daughter took to him immediately, and while this was only her first lesson I already saw her interest sparked. He's not just a musician, but a true educator - which is crucial for kids of a younger age starting a new instrument.
+ Read MoreMy six year old son just started his lessons with Thomas, and so far it went very well. Thomas is very serious about music and uses his professionalism to take command of the lesson. My son tends to be hyper and may lose focus at times but Thomas was able to keep my son's attention and interest. So far so good!
+ Read MoreThomas was amazing with my 6 year old boys. He was enthusiastic,, and creative. He made learning piano fun!
Thomas is a great instructor - and seems very knowledgeable in a number
of instruments. He seems comfortable with teaching kids and works with them
very patiently.
Outstanding Guitar and Bass Guitar Instructor. Very patient and extremely knowledgeable. Going in I knew absolutely nothing about playing a guitar. I'm now reading music from music sheets and more confident about playing my Electric and Bass Guitars. I'm now on auto renewal for my lessons. Give Tom a try. I'm sure that you'll be happy !
+ Read MoreGreat teacher..recommend him highly
I've has two lessons with Thomas and he is excelllent1
Tonight was my daughters first lesson with Thomas. He was on time, very knowledgeable and extremely skilled at his instrument. My daughter felt very comfortable and inspired by him and we are both looking forward to future lessons with him.
Great instructor, always on time, starts with the very basics. My son loves his lessons!
Thomas a great instructor and I had a wonderful experience with him. He is a wealth of knowledge with a deep understanding of all genres of music. Thomas was very patient and I liked that he utilized more than just the piano to show me how the music all correlates with one another. I would recommend Thomas to any student how is looking for well - rounded musician and instructor!
+ Read MoreGreat teacher my daughter is always looking forward to get piano lessons with Tom!
Gabriella felt very comfortable with Thomas. He was patient and jumped right in without wasting time. She can't wait for her next lesson.
Our son had his first lesson with Thomas last night. Thomas is extremely patient and was able to keep him engaged throughout the entire lesson. That's HUGE because our son is autistic and has trouble focusing. It's only been one lesson but I recommend Thomas! Very fun and professional.
+ Read MoreVery pleased with Thomas and his creative ways to get our son to play the piano again .
Thomas is a very gifted teacher. Our daughter enjoys her lessons with him a lot.
She used to be very concerned about making mistakes and he helped her to overcome that. His teaching style is fun and motivating. It feels like having a weekly chamber concert in our home. He often accompanies her with his guitar or violin which motivates her tremendously.
Thomas is a wonderfully insightful teacher. He was able to quickly assess my needs and point me to some simple ways to address them. He is very enthusiastic and is able to explain complex musical ideas into terms a common person could understand.
Thomas is very patient and kind to my autistic son who is taking violin. He wastes no time getting started with the lesson and uses every moment wisely. He is a gifted teacher and I feel confident that my son will make great strides with Thomas.
Thomas is an intelligent,diligent and warm young man. He is a prompt and dedicated teacher. My daughter learned a great deal in a short period of time. She is looking forward to working with him in the future. We wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.
+ Read MoreThomas has a great level of patience for students new to music lessons. He has a very enthusiastic approach to each lesson that he teaches. I truly enjoy how he is able to share his passion for music, often relating piano to other musical instruments during lessons.
Since I am someone very new to the world of music, I look forward to continuing my lessons with Thomas with the hopes that I can grow as a musician. I highly recommend his talents as a teacher of music.
Great teacher!
Thomas makes it incredibly easy to learn. The location is very convenient for people using public transit. A great experience overall. âº