Clip from one of my lessons with Lila (Grade 5) working on When you Wish Upon a Star. Lila chose to learn this song from a book of Disney selections, but she has a great ear and has learned other songs such as Happy, I’m Blue, Tetris, and many more.
Clip from a gig where I invited 2 students, Ian (Senior) and Trevor (Sophomore), and their friend Miles to sit in and play some tunes with my group. I try to get students involved with my gigs as often as I can, as this is the best way for them to get real world playing experience and utilize the skills I help them develop in their lessons.
Clip from a gig that I played with one of my students, Mattan (College student). Mattan is one of my more advanced students, and I actually hired him to play this gig with me so that I could get a clip of us playing together. I love creating opportunities for my students when they work hard and improve in the way that Mattan has.
Clip from a lesson with Sam (7th Grade). I like to record Sam playing and then have him listen and give himself feedback before I jump in with my thoughts on his playing. Self reflection is an important skill for students to develop, as I am not with them every time they practice throughout the week. This skill benefits students outside of music as well.
Clip from a fun lesson with Namo (High School junior). We usually work on jazz improvisation. This was an idea that we came up with while trading phrases.
Clip from the spring concert at the K8 that I previously taught music at. Vanessa (8th grade) wanted to play a piece from a video game that we both like, and I happily obliged. Video game music is one of my favorite types of music to work on with students!
Clip from a lesson with Rosalee (High School Freshman). Rosalee was selected to be a part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after submitting an audition recording that we worked on for several weeks. Our lessons focus on band music, etudes, and jazz improvisation. I believe all students can benefit from strengthening their ears.
Clip from a gig where I invited 2 of my high school students, William (Senior) and Milos (Junior) to sit in for a couple tunes. I try my best to build a community within my private lesson studio, as I feel students can learn a lot from hearing the way their peers approach the material I give them. Milos placed in the NH Jazz All State band this year.