Patient and insightful music theory and composition tutor with years of experience working with children and adults alike.
After graduating from Eastman School of Music with a Bachelors in Music Theory, I moved to New York City to pursue my Masters in Composition and Theory at New York University. While there, I taught courses in ear-training, sight-singing and Elements of Music to undergrads.
I also composed the music and lyrics to several musicals that played around the city, as well as...
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Incredibly Knowledgeable
John is an amazing tutor! He knows everything (music theory composition analysis, sight singing tools, notation tools, musical theater, Finale, more) and is so patient at explaining things! I was so blown away by our first lesson - I came away knowing more than I ever thought possible for one hour, stuff I wasn’t able to understand before despite years of auditing music theory classes at Peabody. Highly recommend!
Katherine, 1 lesson with John
Very knowledgeable and creative
John is incredibly patient and creative, coming up with exercises and music that I can play even as a beginner. I have learned so much even after just a few lessons!
Cynthia, 9 lessons with John
experienced and informed perspective
John really knows what he's talking about. He gave me several excellent ideas for improving my songwriting. I especially appreciate his candor and his willingness to challenge me. I recommend him highly.
David, 1 lesson with John
Very knowledgeable explained well.
John worked on ear training. He went over solfege and rhythm with me. It was a very productive hour. I appreciated John's patience and knowledge. Thank you John.
Kevin, 8 lessons with John
great teacher!
I had only 1 session with John on music theory and he was extremely helpful ! Very good at taking the time to explain things concisely and makes sure you’ve understood.
Alice, 1 lesson with John
Knows subject matter
My daughter has worked with John on numerous occasions. She needed additional help in ear training for her AP Music class. John helped her immediately by teaching her techniques and worked through examples, in a positive and encouraging manner. Now, since John, assignments that took hours before are mere minutes and my daughter has the confidence she needs to succeed.
Lisa, 28 lessons with John
Tutoring
John did an excellent job teaching me about triads and how to identify them. I feel more than prepared for my final exam over this. I would highly recommend him for tutoring. Thank you John!
Lauren, 2 lessons with John
Best music theory tutor!!!
John was incredible with my daughter who was struggling with AP music theory. He was knowledgeable, explained things very simply so she could understand the material quickly, patient and constantly asked her questions to make sure she understood the material. Winderd gifted tutor.
Monica, 29 lessons with John
A knowledgeable, patient, kind tutor - John is absolutely wonderful!
There aren't enough words to describe the quality that John provides as a tutor. As I've told anyone who will listen, the fact that I only pay $40/hr for a lesson with a tutor of this caliber is INSANE to me - it's the best $40 I spend a week (and I love to eat out). Not only has John prepared me to apply for the BMI musical theatre workshop IN 10 WEEKS (and we got a callback! woo hoo!), he has given me the confidence to finally admit to myself that I'm a musician and a composer, which is something I thought impossible until working with him. He has gently, but firmly, guided me along, being the best critique partner, teacher, and mentor out there. He not only cares about what he teaches, he cares about your personal goals, projects, and the reason you're seeking tutoring in the first place. There might be a tutor out there cheaper, but no one is more knowledge and caring and THAT'S what sets him apart from the average tutor - he ACTUALLY cares. I don't say this for nothing, but meeting with John LEGITIMATELY changed the course of my career as an artist and has given me tools I never thought possible AND I'm sure he will do the same for you. (To be fair though, I do feel that by writing this glorious deserving review for John, my best kept secret will be available to everyone now... well it's a small price to pay for the artistic satisfaction you're bound to get from working with John.)
Maiga, 52 lessons with John
Knows songwriting very well
My first lesson with John was awesome! He helped me with the arrangement of the lyrics of my song. Great teacher! I recommend him to any student. It was a surreal experience to me.
Albert, 1 lesson with John