Name: "Help! My Hands Need More Power!"
Uploaded: 2021-08-12T00:23:40.000Z
Duration: 3 min
Description: Just starting out on Guitar? Here are two easy and fun hand warm-ups to get you started. "Spider Fingers" and "Keep One Down" can really help get you comfortable with your new instrument while getting your hands strong. Try it! For more muscle-building techniques, check out live class every Wednesday at 3:30 PST/6:30EST. ROCK ON!!!

Just starting out on Guitar? Here are two easy and fun hand warm-ups to get you started. "Spider Fingers" and "Keep One Down" can really help get you comfortable with your new instrument while getting your hands strong. Try it!  

For more muscle-building techniques, check out live class every Wednesday at 3:30 PST/6:30EST.  ROCK ON!!!

Guitar

Nicole grew up in a small town on Long Island, New York.  She had an active young mind with a love for music and rhythm.  Luckily, she began her musical journey with private piano lessons at age five.  Having lessons this young certainly helped her understand the student experience of learning how to use your skills and discipline to be successful as a musician.  While receiving training on piano, she joined her elementary school orchestra in the 3rd grade and quickly soared with violin.  During this period, Nicole began learning music theory and the art of reading music.  As a fourth grader, Nicole would go on to conduct and tune every instrument in her orchestra during rehearsal.  She always competed and won many NYSMA competitions for violin while attending music seminars and workshops.  It was then that her teacher realized she had a gift.  Nicole continued with piano lessons and began teaching herself guitar.  Later, after college, she bought herself a drum set and began to teach herself drums.  
	As an adult, Nicole studied to become an elementary teacher and worked in the New York State School Districts for over five years.  Shortly after receiving her master's degree for Literacy Education, Nicole decided to attempt to share her passion for music.  In 2007, Nicole opened a music studio in Holbrook, New York.  Here, she refined her music teaching skills while establishing Nicolex Inc. Music Island as a leading source of quality music education.  Her summer traveling music program allowed her students to experience live performances as well as create music groups with peers with the same passion for music.  
	Nicole now resides in Tampa, Florida with hopes to spread her business as well as the joy of music to children and adults across the country.  When she is not teaching, she is the drummer and band leader for a local Rock band.  Needless to say, she understands the importance that music has had in her life and wishes to ignite that passion in other music lovers.

*** Lesson Details ***
My teaching style is best labeled as kind but firm.  I take my job very seriously and want wholeheartedly for my students to have music as a part of their life, not just a part of their day.  I love to laugh and have fun but I will definitely expect my students to practice and complete any homework I assign and be prepared for the following lesson.  Simply stated, music is fun and the love of my life, but if I still practice, you will as well.  Otherwise, I always believe in teaching songs my students are interested in and will expand their musical skills.  My experience as a public school teacher has enhanced my sense of reading between the lines and finding personalized instruction for every student.  Therefore, I always differentiate lessons to suit my students' learning style and song preferences. We will cover all of the fundamental tools every musician needs in order to be successful.  My specialty is teaching a variety of instruments.  I play Drums, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele, and I can sing as well.  So, if one instrument is not for you, I can teach you something different without a problem.  Long story short, friends, you are in good hands.  

**Note:  There is a strict 24 HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY.  If you choose to cancel a lesson, on the day of the lesson, you will be charged.  All paid and unused lessons expire after 60 days and will be forfeited.


*** Specialties ***
Rock, Blues, and Classical genres for Piano, Guitar, Drums.  Vocally, I specialize in R&B, Soul, Motown, Broadway, Pop, Top 100 and alternative/Hard Rock.  I will adapt to your needs.

"Help! My Hands Need More Power!"

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Violin

Piano

Ukulele

Drums

Percussion

Bass Guitar

Singing

Songwriting

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Founded 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.

The American Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that champions fairness; democracy; economic opportunity; and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for our students, their families and our communities. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining and political activism, and especially through the work our members do.

The non-profit Early Childhood Music & Movement Association (ECMMA) believes appropriate, purposeful music and movement experiences enhance early childhood development and seeks to support early childhood music and movement practitioners by providing resources, advocacy, professional development, and collaboration opportunities.

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 480,000 US composers, songwriters, lyricists and music publishers. The ASCAP is committed to nurturing music makers throughout their careers. 

Successfully completed the objectives and skills evaluations in accordance with the curriculum of the AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Program.

Infant and Adult CPR Certified

"Nicolex Music Island" began as a retail Music Store in Holbrook, NY.  The  company was a comfortable and engaging music education facility.  We provided music lessons for piano, drums, guitar, and vocal lessons as well as after school care and summer music programs.

Owner/Music Instructor

Provided group music Instruction for piano, guitar, and percussion.

Music Instructor

Providing music instruction for Piano, Drums, Guitar, and Vocal lessons for ages 5-99.  All levels in-studio and traveling to students homes.

English

During lessons, students will learn every aspect of guitar, from performance to maintenance.   Beginners will learn how to tune, string your guitar, reading guitar notation and tablatures, play popular songs as well as use an instructional book.  Students may use acoustic or electric guitar.

Good at teaching very nice and patient and i can learn a hole song in the 30 min lessons. 

Nicole Cognato is thorough, clear communicator, an excellent instructor 

Really fun to learn with, super helpful. And willing to address any concerns I may have. 

I adore lessons with Nicole.  I actually started with a different coach and didn't really feel that vibe so I kept looking and I'm so glad I did!  Nicole is super patient, encouraging, and a fantastic instructor.  She's also very flexible, professional, and understanding.  

I have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my voice since working with her.  I am also feeling more confident about my voice and my ability to improve it.  Thank you so much, Nicole! I look forward to more voice lessons under your tutelage. 

Nicole is such a great instructor! She is so patient and her lessons are so fun. I'm excited to continue learning the drums with her.

Four chords are all you need to play this catchy tune!  Watch now and start playing along very quickly.  

POP SONG ALERT!  "As It Was" by Harry Styles on Piano

Please be sure to watch "Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part A" prior to viewing this video.   Now it's time to move on to Part B!  Part B focuses on the 3 chords and a simple strumming pattern (Down Up Down UP).  Take your time and practice the chords slowly first.  When you feel comfortable switching from one chord to the next, then speed up your tempo.  To learn more, check out my profile and we can start private lessons soon!

Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part B

They're creepy and they're kooky but learning this song is never spooky!  This video demonstrates the classic Addams Family Theme Song, step-by-step, on your ukulele.  Part A covers the melody that you hear in the Intro and after the first Verse in the song.  Be sure to check out the next video, "Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part B" to learn the chords.  Now you are all set to celebrate our favorite ooky family!

Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part A

Michael Myers may be scary but learning this classic spooky song will not be!  This video will go over two sections of the beginner version of "Halloween Theme-Main title" from the iconic movie series.  If you read music, it's a plus, but not necessary.   

*Note-This video will only demonstrate the right hand melody.  For more info, check out my profile and we can learn both hands to this song and many more.

"Halloween" Movie Theme Song!

Chords, in music, are defined as three or more single pitches/notes heard at the same time.  Learning three simple chords can take you very far in Music.   If you haven't played piano chords before, this is the video for you.  We will learn one chord at a time and use the chords to play the popular song "Can't Stop The Feeling".   Enjoy!

How to Play "CHORDS" on the Piano

"Straw-Ber-ry" is a fun way to help you count a TRIPLET.  Learn this warm-up to help strengthen your hand and practice using your pick at the same time!  As you get more comfortable playing the triplet, try increasing your tempo(speed).  See how fast you can go! 
Be sure to check out my Live class, "Helpful Tips for New Guitar Players" every Monday 3pmPST/6pmEST for more details.

"Strawberry Fields" Guitar Warm-Up

You can do this activity will a little time and patience, I totally believe in you!
"Imagine" by John Lennon is a great song to practice fingerpicking on your ukulele.  This video will give you step-by-step instruction on how to use your right hand and fingers in a different way.  To learn the full song, call TakeLessons and sign up for one on one lessons.  

Intro to Fingerpicking on Ukulele

Be sure to tune your Ukulele before watching this video.  Once your strings are sounding wonderful, your right hand needs to know what to do!  In this video, we will go over how to play Down strums, then Up strums, and finally a combination of both.  Get ready to play!

Ukulele Strum Patterns for Beginners

Congratulations on beginning your musical journey!  Step1: Learn how to tune your instrument properly so your songs great!.  Here is a step by step guide to tune your ukulele quickly using a clip on tuner. 

Nicole C.

"Help! My Hands Need More Power!"

Nicole's Guitar videos

POP SONG ALERT! "As It Was" by Harry Styles on Piano

Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part B

Addams Family Theme on Ukulele-Part A

"Halloween" Movie Theme Song!

How to Play "CHORDS" on the Piano

"Strawberry Fields" Guitar Warm-Up

Intro to Fingerpicking on Ukulele

Ukulele Strum Patterns for Beginners

How to Tune your Ukulele

"Help! My Hands Need More Power!"

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