I am a prolific guitarist, instructor, recording artist and composer residing in Queens, NY. I hold a BA in Music Composition from Brooklyn College and an MA in Music Composition from Queens College.
I have 5 years of classroom teaching experience and have taught music generally and guitar specifically in the private sector for 16 years. As a result, I understand the needs of music students of all ages and at various stages of development.
My classroom teaching experience focused primarily on preparing students for concerts. Because I served as conductor for some of my own compositions and played in bands and various ensembles, I was quite comfortable with classroom preparation and organization. My responsibilities included selecting the music; organizing concert programs; and leading, preparing, and motivating the students. Because students’ abilities are so diverse, it was a challenge and a source of stimulation for me to involve all the students on some level. My personal teaching philosophy is to encourage an active classroom environment where students participate and work in groups. Although not yet certified, I am on track to receive certification by early 2009.
With respect to private music and guitar instruction, most was provided for students preparing for music education on either the high school or college level. Many of my students have gone on to perform in high school bands and some have advanced to study music at schools such as the Berklee College of Music, Hampshire College, and The Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music.