Lesson Details
Violin
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate
Thomas teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 5+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- February 2008
Currently Thomas is an Orchestra Director in Merrick Public Schools, and has previous experience as a Music Teacher in New York City.
Thomas has vast experience as a professional performer and has played with countless acts across many different Genres of music.
Thomas is an experienced private instructor and will bring the best out of every student. Experienced will all ages, skill levels, music styles, special needs, and everything else that comes along with teaching.
Thomas holds a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Hofstra University, as well as an Assosiates Degree in Music Perforance from NCC.
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
38 Reviews
Write a ReviewTom is great! Relaxed, patient and experienced with children. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an instructor. Our 10 year old is eager to see him again.
He is the best cello teacher ,very professional and very good with children. My daughter is very happy to have lessons with him.
Thomas is an excellent teacher. He taught our 7 year old son piano for the past year and has a ton of patience. He worked very hard to keep him engaged and on task. Thomas is extremely professional and you can tell that he really knows his stuff and is incredibly passionate about the work he does. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a music teacher for their child.
+ Read MoreGreat teacher! Both my kids love him. He's patient, great with kids, prepared and talented. Can't say enough great things!
My experience with Thomas has been great! My son can get distracted easily and Thomas keeps his attention and demonstrates the right balance of patience and firmness to keep my son engaged while letting him know the importance of practice and proper technique. He was definitely the right choice for my son:)
+ Read MoreThomas is great at helping you get to your goal
Thomas is a wonderful teacher(drum and piano), very skilled as a teacher.He has an enthusiastic and warm personality that allows my son to get excited about playing music! he is truly a gem!!!
My son can't wait to his lessons with Thomas.
Thank you Thomas!!!!
Thomas has been a wonderful guitar instructor for my son. He shows amazing knowledge of the guitar as well as many different instruments. He patience is absolutely amazing!! He truly has a unique approach that produces amazing results!
Mike really enjoyed his first lesson. Looking forward to watching him progress.
Tom is both extremely knowledgeable about music and the mechanics of playing an instrument, and great at making the instrument accessible to anyone at any skill level. Whether beginner or expert, child or adult, I can't recommend Tom enough.
My son loves working with Thomas.
Very 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