Josephine Music Lessons

992 to major in music at Hunter College. Living in NYC I began performing live and became a studio session musician in the process I developed songwriting and arranging skills as well as my own composing style. As I advanced musically I began teaching piano, guitar and music theory at the Academy of Music. Teaching the basics of piano really helped me develop a love for exploring and learning music with students . Gradually my taste in music evolved into different styles of music such as Jazz, Blues, Electronic and World Music. Without a doubt, my love for great music as well as my musical background shapes the music I compose, perform and teach.
With my real world experience and unique style of teaching I believe I am an ideal musician to study with.

*** Lesson Details ***
First and foremost: my lessons are fun!
Music is fun, it is expression, it is passion..., It so important to learn the joy of music first just as it is
essential to learn proper technique, theory, sight reading and playing by ear.
I have met so many people that said " I took lessons when I was young and hated it, but now I wish I could play now..." I try to create in you the desire to learn, and the desire for music knowledge. Once that is established it becomes both easier and more rewarding to dive into the "harder" stuff.
I will also develop a knowledge of music history with you and as well explore current popular music.
I hope to enable in all of my students a basic understanding of music, the ability to learn songs and the skill to improvise and craft songs themselves.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Digital Piano , Acoustic Guitar

*** Travel Equipment ***
I will advise books to learn and work out of.
Students will pay for their own music books.

*** Specialties ***
Reading, ear training and music philosophy. A traditional fundamental approach, with contemporary music to keep students interested.

are my primary specialty, and they were the focus of my BM and MM degrees. I also have some experience in Jazz singing and saxophone. I encourage a knowledge of music theory in a students interpretation of a piece of literature, which makes me different from many other instructors. I believe this makes for a more well-rounded musician.

nterest the student.

Guitar: I've found that guitar method books are nearly as diverse as the guitarists that play them! That being said, I typically start with the Essential Elements for guitar for a solid introduction to music reading and a touch of theory.

Depending on the style of play the guitarist is interested in I move on from there. Mel Bays Classical method is always a solid choice as is the Christopher Parkening Guitar method. I also have a few tab oriented books and some rock/blues oriented books.

For clarinet and oboe students I like to compliment what their band/orchestra director is using when possible. I also love the Klose method for clarinet. The Rubank is also a tried and true book I use. I've had a lot of success with these books.

Of course the best method books are for naught without adequate practice time! When theory and technique work get too dry it's always fun to throw in some fun selections to compliment the "work."

Voice students are a bit different in that I don't use a specific method to instruct. I have many books that I draw from when teaching voice due to the unique nature of the individual. Depending on the style of music, from classical to jazz/pop, I have music that will teach proper breath support, vowel placement and tone.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Home studio: converted dining room with 3 guitars, young percussion instruments, upright piano and f/w keyboard. Seating available for parents.
Music ministry at First Christian Church in Terrell. Access to choir room with upright piano. Seating available for parents.

*** Specialties ***
Degree in all-level music education with specialty in voice.

ning is imperative for more advanced students to learn before they can begin improvisation. Its like giving a man a fish vs teaching a man to fish. Its also a great transition into the theory part of your instrument specifically for kids who often pick up and latch on to the concept. Ear training properly though is not only a daily process but can be difficult for some so if you feel like this isn't for you that is okay because it all comes down to what you want.

My voice students will learn to relax into their singing and to strengthen their voice week to week. Each student receives a personalized plan of daily exercises based on their needs and weekly performance. I also offer audition coaching for those in the musical theatre community. For kids and beginners we start with basic breath control and diction. For more advanced students we work on improvisation

My instrumental students will begin by learning ear training and basic structure from there I make it about you and what you want to learn. I am a big believer in genre bending instruments. I for instance play jazz and blues mandolin. If you're wondering why you have never heard of this its because you can count the number of culturally relevant jazz and blues mandolinists on one hand. There are also reasonably few people who teach this as it is something so rarely done. If you have latched on to a particular genre of music I'd love to help you explore it.

Acting students are encouraged to dabble in all parts of theatre and film as many roles require you to be a jack of many trades. Character development and emoting convincingly is only part of the game.

Cancelation policy: 24 hour notice or in case of emergency with doctors note.

r all situations.

I have incorporated artistry, language, and dramatic intention into my preparation whenever I perform professionally. I have extensive vocal study with William Stone, Penelope Bitzas, and Elem Eley. I continue to study and improve my languages through vocal coachings and lessons. I am committed to life long learning and development of my vocal ability and sharing that with my students.

I received my Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. My Masters in Music in Voice Performance from Boston University in Boston, MA. My Artist Diploma in Opera Performance from the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, PA. I was also an Adler Fellow with San Francisco Opera where I sang 59 mainstage performances in 2 fall seasons.

Hall, the Kennedy Center, Salle Alfred Cortot in Paris and the National Philharmonic Hall in Warsaw, Philharmonie in Cologne, City Hall in Hong Kong, among others.

His competition awards include Gold Medals at both the William Kapell and Tomassoni International piano competitions and a Bronze Medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. His other competition accolades include awards at international competitions in Prague, Warsaw, Dublin, Hong Kong, Riga, Alexandria and New Orleans.

Among his numerous awards, he was twice named “Outstanding Artist in China” (2009 and 2011) in addition to having been given the positions of “Honorable Professor” of Jilin College of Arts (China) and “Visiting Professor” at the Beihua University (China). In his hometown of Minsk (Belarus), he was awarded the title “Minskovite of the year” 2002.

Andrey is a Yamaha Artist.