My music teaching style has two main focuses. First, I make certain that all my students know the foundations of music – reading music, familiarity and understanding of the notes all over the instrument and proper technique. Second, I steer the lessons towards the individual student's goals: whether it's Green Day or Bon Jovi rock, Train or Michael Jackson pop, Metallica or Lamb of God metal or even folk or jazz with a dash of classical.

I believe that, when teaching music, the basics should be covered and that students should be challenged, but at the same time guitar can and should be fun. Through this approach, I have had encountered success at iSchool — I've been here since the beginning in 2005, built up a consistent studio and taught quite a few students right up to college. I have experience teaching music to individuals aged 5 years old to adult and all skill levels.

I am very patient with beginners but also capable of teaching the most advanced techniques.

I am also the guitarist/singer/songwriter of my band Turrigenous.

Music. What is it, really? Well, to the dictionary, it's the "organization of sounds and silence." To me, music is fun — plain and simple. More specifically, playing guitar is fun. How can you NOT have fun playing guitar, rocking out with a band or cranking your amp all the way up? That's the way I approach guitar.

When I was 12, I took lessons from someone that was really by-the-book. It wasn't my style. So I found another teacher who actually listened to me and taught me things I wanted to learn, all the while showing me the theory and idea behind each lesson. That's when I really started to love playing guitar. My teacher, Jon Bivona (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mark Wood Experience), was a huge inspiration not only to my playing, but to my teaching style. He helped me understand that to enjoy playing guitar (and everything you put into it) is what you get out of playing the guitar. After I understood, I started to absorb every aspect of guitar — technique, advanced theory, ear training and improvisation.

After college and 5 years of teaching music, I ended up joining a band with Greg Giordano, another teacher here at iSchool. It's an awesome experience, being in a band with such amazing musicians, that it really drives you to be your best. And the band experience teaches another set of skills you can only get by being in one… listening to your band mates while playing.

So whether you want to relax after school, or express yourself through song, or be the next Jimi Hendrix, I'll be able to get you to however far you're willing to go.

I started playing guitar seriously at the age of 12, my first influences being rock and metal. In my later teens, I became very interested in other music genres such as jazz, fusion and classical. I began my formal music education in college, ultimately obtaining a Master's Degree in Music Composition.

The road I've taken to teaching music has been paved with many unexpected twists and turns. Through a process of discovery, I have arrived at a point where I am able to productively incorporate knowledge from various experiences with music and education into my own creativity and teaching. I never expect to stop learning or exploring new forms of music, and I look forward to sharing valuable experiences and knowledge with my students.

I have been surrounded with music since a very early age. My parents were from Ireland and loved their native music. I remember going to New York's Erin's Isle, East Durham, in the Catskill Mountains where they would enter me into talent contests. I won many of them as a singer and had a blast just sitting there watching the bands play, but I always wanted to be a drummer. (After all, while I was an infant, my mother told me the family band needed one.)

At the age of 13, I played my first paid gig for my brother and sister's newly formed band, Shannon Breeze. (Granted, I was the replacement drummer… theirs had gotten into trouble with his parents.) My Father and I drove up the NY Thruway, met my brother and sister halfway, transferred the drum kit (and me) into the "Band Van" and headed for the gig at the famous Irish Music Festival in aforementioned East Durham. We performed well and had a lot of fun. But then, they handed me my pay afterwards. I couldn't believe I could get paid for something I loved to do! I was hooked.

From then I went on to play in the band full time. By the time I entered high school, I was already performing every weekend, all the while performing in various ensembles in Holy Cross High School under the tutor of Michael Lipsey, who is now the Percussion Dept. Director at Queens College. When I entered Holy Cross, his newly formed percussion quartet, Talújon, were artists-in-residence. We had a fantastic percussion program and performed very challenging material by very well known composers. I was lucky to be there, learning so much at such an early age.

After earning my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Percussion Performance, I have returned to what I love the most: drum set and singing. I now play drums/percussion and sing, simultaneously and separately, with multiple artists all over the NY area. I have been a member of the Kenny Ford Band under Hank Lane Music Productions since 2003. I also perform in numerous cover bands including Rockjunky and 3BD. I am also the lead singer of the Soundgarden Tribute Band, Jesus Christ Pose. I have performed and recorded numerous jingles and songs with various artists around the tri-state area. I can be heard on radio and TV and now perform live usually at least a dozen or more times a month. I'm very thankful to be able to make music my love and life, and I hope, through my experience, I can inspire my students to love music as much as I do. And maybe make some money in the process!

First I became a fan of music in my late-teens, listening to all the hip rock and heavy bands of the time. Not long after, I realized I was hooked I had discovered a passion for music and decided to get serious about it. I started exploring other areas of music and was getting hungry to "learn" as well. I enrolled myself in Conservatory and studied classical guitar while leading a heavy band on the side. The mix of styles and influences created a very intriguing space to create.

While teaching, my main concern is keeping this feeling alive. The lesson is a success when the student leaves inspired, intrigued by something new they've learned or experienced during the lesson and are willing to go home and explore more. Apart from learning how to read, write and understand music, the process of mastering/exploring an instrument teaches you a great deal about communicating, interacting and expressing yourself. This part of growing is what's more important and beneficial in music. Plus it's so much fun!

With the unique experience of having orchestrated music not only for drums, but guitar and vocals as well in an original band, I offer a distinct perspective when it comes to drumming.

While teaching music, I am easy-going and strive for inspiration. I value teaching multiple styles of music and appropriate technique, but am extremely adaptable and tailor my lessons to fit the interests of each student. In addition, I believe all students should understand how the drummer is more often part of a larger picture. To give students an appreciation of this context, I frequently play the guitar along with them during lessons. I believe this helps to develop a greater perceptive of the music being played. (Not to mention the students invariably find it more enjoyable.)

My musical training began at an early age and includes classical studies with members of the NYC Metropolitan Opera, Binghamton, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras and various other notable artists. I also have an extensive academic background, acquiring a Doctorate degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University where I received the Stuart I. Gurman, MD Award, which is "given to that graduate of high scholastic achievement who best showed a continuous interest and activity in art, music, literature, or the public interest, realizing that living and learning go together."

I began my piano studies at the age of 5 under the guidance of Akiko Hasunuma. During my studies, I began entering competitions and received numerous awards, including first prize for the solo and duo divisions of the Southern California Youth Music Festival. I moved to New York to continue my studies with Miyoko Lotto at NYU, where I earned my B.M. and M.A. degrees. I live in New York City, where I reside with my cat, Munchkin, and enjoy a diverse musical career.

Some of my notable performances include a duo concert in La Paz, Bolivia (sponsored by the Vice Ministry of Culture) and a collaborative tour in Japan with pianist Susan Svrcek. In 2007, I captured first prize at the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition. In the summer of 2009, I had my solo debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, which was presented by Artist International.

Music has been a huge part of my life from the time I was very young, when I was first drawn to piano through my mother. I remember listening to her play as a child and asking her to teach me to do the same. She began teaching music by educating me on the rudiments — she had me reading music and playing single lines along with her. Soon afterward, when I was four, she sought out a teacher for me, and it wasn't much later that we were playing duets. (To this day, I still play duets with her every time I visit!)

I started playing competitions when I was six and later enrolled in a piano preparatory school with Ms. Debra Bakland at Walla Walla College. It was a great experience, being able to participate in master-classes along with very advanced undergraduates. Ms. Bakland was not only the consummate musician, but an artist-teacher. She had the ability to get the best out of all of her students regardless of natural talent. Perhaps more importantly, she cared deeply for her students as human beings, not just as musicians. One of the most important things she taught me was to see every performance and competition as a personal opportunity for improvement — winning was not the most meaningful goal. She continues to be a great inspiration to me, and I hope to pass on some of her great wisdom to my own students while I'm teaching.

Music has always been my passion, and piano is just the beginning. I've also sang in choirs and played cello, trumpet, trombone and percussion. I have participated in everything from jazz choir to marching band and even played keyboard for my friend's rock band! Though I now focus on piano, as a soloist and a collaborator, my wide variety of musical experience has been invaluable, and I encourage my own students to seek out as much variety as possible.

I began playing piano at age six which soon ignited my ability to sing in perfect pitch as well as harmonize at the drop of a hat. Throughout grade school, I was part of all the music groups such as chorus, vocal jazz chorus, jazz band and orchestra, where I used both my singing and piano playing abilities. Since 5th grade, I had been selected to the Suffolk All-County chorus every year until high school. Once in high school, I was then selected to the All-State chorus, thereafter being selected to the All-State Vocal Jazz chorus, a more elite group consisting of only sixteen chosen throughout the state.

When I was 15, I began playing professionally in local blues clubs, where I would bus tables at the beginning of dinner and then play and sing with the band come dessert time. By 17, I had headlined my own jazz quartet and was playing throughout the Tri-state area, singing standards as well as songs of my own. Nonetheless, I went along to achieve a degree in Jazz Perfomance in both piano and voice.

After Miami, I returned to New York to pursue a recording a career where I received my first record deal less than two months upon arriving. Six months later, I began to see just how fickle the business could be. Since then, I have demo sang for producers submitting songs to Omarion, Usher & Justin Timberlake. I have had songs of mine placed on albums in Korea in the K-Pop genre as well as placed in a Hyundai commercial campaign. I've co-written songs for projects involved with the United Nations and Darfur campaign as well as the United Way. I currently finished my last tour opening for legendary singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Lloyd Price.

Along with recording and performing, I have always made a special effort to also be a teacher and mentor to help steer students with a passion for music much like me. I was head vocal teacher at a talent and model agency named John Robert Powers for 2 years in Miami, where I worked with kids with exceptional talent. One girl in particular I helped shape and record her demo thus getting her a deal with Hollywood records. I have been private teaching for nearly 8 years and will continue doing so for the pure satisfaction of helping the youth of tomorrow and help generate the evolution of music in America!

I come from Bulgaria, where as a pianist and musician I have been trained in the time-honored European traditions. The major goal of this tradition is for the student to accept music as something natural to his body and soul.

My method toward teaching music is based on a relaxed atmosphere and individual approach to each student. My strengths are knowledge of technique, repertoire and concert practice, but I always teach with patience and humor. I am a teacher who knows how to navigate the musical development of a student from a first lesson to the conservatory level.

Lessons are not just classes, but a personal experience and opportunity for the student to cultivate a number of important abilities that will serve him or her not only in music — but in life.

I still have beautiful childhood memories from my grandfather, the only musician of the family. He left me some of the most important skills a kid should have: how to ride a bike, how to read the time on the clock and how to enjoy and love the piano music. His musical legacy has been the engine of my life.

My mother enrolled me at the National Conservatory after my grandpa passed away. There I met the great composers and their masterworks while clandestinely I attended the rehearsals of the Philharmonic of Bogot. My passion for music had been born.

Later, during my adolescence, a friend gave me an audio cassette of Latin music which had some mambo and salsa tunes. At the beginning, I didn’t like it, but later I discovered how the piano played in very rhythmically and lively loops. That I liked! So, I started to copy the patterns by listening and, at the age of 16, I joined my first professional band with which I traveled around all my country.

In 2000, while I was a student at the Caribe-Ibero American Music program at the Arts College of Bogota, a huge challenge was presented to me. I had an opportunity to participate in a piano competition in the U.S.A. I participated and twice won the Charlie Palmieri Piano Latino Competition at the Harbor Conservatory of New York City. There I had the opportunity to study with some of the best exponents of Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban music.

Parallel to my experience in the Big Apple as a student, performer, arranger and musical director, there is one more passion in my life. It is to share with others my modest knowledge. Teaching and transmitting to children the wonders of music are also very important in my life. Every time I see a smile that the power of a beautiful melody causes in a child's face, I thank life for a gift that embellishes many of our moments.

My love of music came to me honestly through my mother’s love of the performing arts. Although she never played a musical instrument, she was determined to give her two daughters piano lessons, and every other lesson known to man, including baton lessons! By the age of 5, I was studying piano and singing in the choir and I never stopped! My mother also made sure that we saw every musical and ballet that came through my hometown of Chicago. And in those days, the touring productions traveled with the original Broadway stars such as Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison. Needless to say, I was enthralled with these productions and my love of performing grew.

By the time I reached high school, I was still studying piano and had added on voice lessons. I auditioned and performed in every musical opportunity I could find. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, therefore, when I announced I wanted to major in music in college, but it still was. To my parent’s credit, they adapted quickly and I earned a bachelor of music and a master of music in short succession, although my performing focus had now switched to opera. I entered college thoroughly entranced by musical theater, but quickly came to realize that my voice actually led me towards opera instead and the passion for classical music quickly followed. Although I had narrowed my major to vocal performance, the years of piano lessons continued to be a valuable asset in learning music quickly as well as making my way through difficult music theory and history classes.

I came to the east coast after receiving my master’s degree in vocal performance to participate in several prestigious young artist training programs, after which I moved to New York City. I started teaching piano and voice when I was still in college and have continued to do so at various schools and privately. Although I still perform regularly, I will always continue to find fulfillment in teaching. I enjoy teaching a wide range of students, from ages 3.5 to 75, a wide range of musical styles. I hope to not only pass along the fundamental elements of music, such as technique, theory and pedagogy to my students, but I hope to instill in them the basic love and passion for music and performing that I was fortunate to find at a young age.

One of my earliest experience with music happened around the age of four when I discovered a small keyboard hidden in the cabinet of my aunt’s apartment. Whenever I visited my aunt, I would play that keyboard creating different sound effects and simple melodies while watching cartoons on the television. After several attempts of creating melodies, I managed to surprise my family one day by humming and playing along to the theme song of “Inspector Gadget” by listening to the tune. My parents noticed my engagement and concentration with the keyboard that they decided to enroll me for piano classes.

As for vocal, my first on-stage appearance was at the age of seven. It all started during general music class when our music teacher told each of us to sing several short melodic passages. Several days later, my name was announced including another student to sing in-front of the entire elementary school assembly. After a few tries, I was able to sing the entire song in-front of my classmates and therefore I was selected to sing for the scheduled performances later that term. I remember my parents being shocked that evening of the performance because they had no idea that I was going to sing some solos. When I entered middle school, I participated in choirs and took vocal lessons throughout high school and college.

My overall teaching style is to provide a comfortable and enthusiastic environment so my students can learn music with pleasure and happiness. My philosophy of teaching is to adapt and customize lessons to suite the needs of the student. I strive for growth in my students by observing the student’s progress from a week to week glance and to provide guidance in music knowledge and appreciation. I have listened to a vast amount of music styles and am well structured to teach classical, Broadway and current songs of today. Most of my lessons focus on building piano and vocal technique, sight-reading/singing, rhythm and music theory. With the usage of technology during the lesson, we can use this resource to explore and discover musicians from around the world.

My passion for music started when I was 5, and my Grandmother put me on a stage to sing with her. From then on, I was hooked! It wasn’t long before I was taking piano lessons, enrolled in performing arts schools and participated in any and every kind of musical competition and performance, including student conducting which was my first taste of teaching. Continuing on to University for music seemed like a natural progression. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life! In college, I continued my musical growth by taking music courses in every degree program. Although my instrument of study was classical voice, I expanded my exposure to include blues, jazz, pop and rock...much to the disapproval of my very strict classical voice teachers!

Since 2001, I've taught voice & piano instruction to students from diverse backgrounds with varying musical aspirations through out South Florida, New York and Paris. Each place offering special growth opportunities for me as an artist and educator. I've performed, recorded and written a multitude of styles for producers, songwriters, for both myself and other musicians. I find that my ability to adapt and change styles is an asset to my teaching skills. I like to assess each students’ individual needs and incorporate a holistic instructional approach.

I believe music education should be a positive, encouraging and enjoyable experience! Learning the fundamentals of music gives students the tools for success in music and in life. It builds healthy musicianship skills, confidence and discipline. I was blessed with many wonderful teachers in my life which have all helped mold my personal ideals as a teacher. Every one of them left a great impact on me. I feel fortunate to have the same opportunity as a music instructor.

Although I am originally from Bulgaria, I lived in Japan when it all started for me, the world of piano and music. I was five years old when I got suspended from the Japanese kindergarten for disrupting the discipline of the class - all because I wanted to play the piano on which our kindergarten teacher accompanied us while we sang children's songs. The beautiful sounds she made mesmerized me. Sadly, no one else was allowed to touch the piano, which seemed to me a miraculous object. So I hid behind furniture and skipped lunch to be able to reach the piano without being noticed. Eventually the teacher found out and complained to my parents.

Later that year, my family went to the famous technological shopping area in Tokyo, called Akihabara to buy a TV set and a Nintendo for my brother. In one of the shops, I discovered a whole floor with electronic musical instruments - keyboards, drums and guitars. I was so happy to be there and spent the entire day playing on all the keyboards in the shop and pressing all the little buttons on the keyboards. I did not want to leave and cried until my parents bought me a keyboard. I soon learned to play all the pre-recorded midi melodies by ear and then my parents seriously considered signing me up for piano lessons.

It has been twenty years since then. I have received Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Piano Performance from the top New York music schools and have been performing and teaching extensively. I have immersed my life in music in the most natural way, without ever questioning whether this was the right choice for me. In my teaching, I combine professionalism with fun and create a learning experience that is individual to each student. My students have performed recitals in renowned venues, won international competitions and have been accepted in Juilliard Pre-college as well as Frank Sinatra Music School.

Teaching others how to play the piano and the virtues of music has been the greatest joy in my life. I believe that every child should learn music for the many benefits that it can deliver. I love teaching music, because I know that no matter if a child continues to pursue music as a profession or goes into a different field, I will have given him or her something of my knowledge and talent and taught them something that will remain and hopefully change their lives for good.

Originally from Bulgaria, I began my vocal, piano and harp studies at an early age. After I moved to the U.S., I continued my vocal studies with some of the most prominent teachers in traditional music. I also had the pleasure to sing in numerous music festivals, recitals, operas and chamber works.

As a music teacher, I believe the lessons should be positive and fun…although music does require practice and dedication. I strive to make the learning process inspirational and interesting. For each student, I assess their particular interests and then determine the best course to reach their goals. I believe all students can learn music, but not all students learn the same way or at the same rate. I always enjoy the challenge of finding new ways to teach a concept.

My parents put me in a music school when I was 3. Pianists and singers looked very cool to me and I wanted to be like them. My first dream piano piece was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, 12 Variations” by Mozart which was in the tape recorder that my parents used to play at home and I performed it when I was quite young. My dream pieces grew many more to include Mozart’s Sonata in C major, K 330 and Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu, Edude Opus 10 No. 3.

I started to take voice lessons secretly from my parents with the money I made by my own when I was in high school. I’m especially in love with gospel music. I joined a gospel choir when I was in college and also started to teach those songs and direct gospel choir at my church and an elementary school.

When I hear music that inspires me, I want to play it! When I become one with the music I play, I can become the inspiration for others as well. Inspirations and dreams are the gift for us to achieve and I want to help my students to achieve theirs!

Currently, I’m the keyboard player of a Christian Rock Band, a classical pianist, and a gospel singer.

I began playing piano at age six which soon ignited my ability to sing in perfect pitch as well as harmonize at the drop of a hat. Throughout grade school, I was part of all the music groups such as chorus, vocal jazz chorus, jazz band and orchestra, where I used both my singing and piano playing abilities. Since 5th grade, I had been selected to the Suffolk All-County chorus every year until high school. Once in high school, I was then selected to the All-State chorus, thereafter being selected to the All-State Vocal Jazz chorus, a more elite group consisting of only sixteen chosen throughout the state.

When I was 15, I began playing professionally in local blues clubs, where I would bus tables at the beginning of dinner and then play and sing with the band come dessert time. By 17, I had headlined my own jazz quartet and was playing throughout the Tri-state area, singing standards as well as songs of my own. Nonetheless, I went along to achieve a degree in Jazz Perfomance in both piano and voice.

After Miami, I returned to New York to pursue a recording a career where I received my first record deal less than two months upon arriving. Six months later, I began to see just how fickle the business could be. Since then, I have demo sang for producers submitting songs to Omarion, Usher & Justin Timberlake. I have had songs of mine placed on albums in Korea in the K-Pop genre as well as placed in a Hyundai commercial campaign. I've co-written songs for projects involved with the United Nations and Darfur campaign as well as the United Way. I currently finished my last tour opening for legendary singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Lloyd Price.

Along with recording and performing, I have always made a special effort to also be a teacher and mentor to help steer students with a passion for music much like me. I was head vocal teacher at a talent and model agency named John Robert Powers for 2 years in Miami, where I worked with kids with exceptional talent. One girl in particular I helped shape and record her demo thus getting her a deal with Hollywood records. I have been private teaching for nearly 8 years and will continue doing so for the pure satisfaction of helping the youth of tomorrow and help generate the evolution of music in America!

I still have beautiful childhood memories from my grandfather, the only musician of the family. He left me some of the most important skills a kid should have: how to ride a bike, how to read the time on the clock and how to enjoy and love the piano music. His musical legacy has been the engine of my life.

My mother enrolled me at the National Conservatory after my grandpa passed away. There I met the great composers and their masterworks while clandestinely I attended the rehearsals of the Philharmonic of Bogot. My passion for music had been born.

Later, during my adolescence, a friend gave me an audio cassette of Latin music which had some mambo and salsa tunes. At the beginning, I didn’t like it, but later I discovered how the piano played in very rhythmically and lively loops. That I liked! So, I started to copy the patterns by listening and, at the age of 16, I joined my first professional band with which I traveled around all my country.

In 2000, while I was a student at the Caribe-Ibero American Music program at the Arts College of Bogota, a huge challenge was presented to me. I had an opportunity to participate in a piano competition in the U.S.A. I participated and twice won the Charlie Palmieri Piano Latino Competition at the Harbor Conservatory of New York City. There I had the opportunity to study with some of the best exponents of Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban music.

Parallel to my experience in the Big Apple as a student, performer, arranger and musical director, there is one more passion in my life. It is to share with others my modest knowledge. Teaching and transmitting to children the wonders of music are also very important in my life. Every time I see a smile that the power of a beautiful melody causes in a child's face, I thank life for a gift that embellishes many of our moments.

My love of music came to me honestly through my mother’s love of the performing arts. Although she never played a musical instrument, she was determined to give her two daughters piano lessons, and every other lesson known to man, including baton lessons! By the age of 5, I was studying piano and singing in the choir and I never stopped! My mother also made sure that we saw every musical and ballet that came through my hometown of Chicago. And in those days, the touring productions traveled with the original Broadway stars such as Julie Andrews, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison. Needless to say, I was enthralled with these productions and my love of performing grew.

By the time I reached high school, I was still studying piano and had added on voice lessons. I auditioned and performed in every musical opportunity I could find. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, therefore, when I announced I wanted to major in music in college, but it still was. To my parent’s credit, they adapted quickly and I earned a bachelor of music and a master of music in short succession, although my performing focus had now switched to opera. I entered college thoroughly entranced by musical theater, but quickly came to realize that my voice actually led me towards opera instead and the passion for classical music quickly followed. Although I had narrowed my major to vocal performance, the years of piano lessons continued to be a valuable asset in learning music quickly as well as making my way through difficult music theory and history classes.

I came to the east coast after receiving my master’s degree in vocal performance to participate in several prestigious young artist training programs, after which I moved to New York City. I started teaching piano and voice when I was still in college and have continued to do so at various schools and privately. Although I still perform regularly, I will always continue to find fulfillment in teaching. I enjoy teaching a wide range of students, from ages 3.5 to 75, a wide range of musical styles. I hope to not only pass along the fundamental elements of music, such as technique, theory and pedagogy to my students, but I hope to instill in them the basic love and passion for music and performing that I was fortunate to find at a young age.

One of my earliest experience with music happened around the age of four when I discovered a small keyboard hidden in the cabinet of my aunt’s apartment. Whenever I visited my aunt, I would play that keyboard creating different sound effects and simple melodies while watching cartoons on the television. After several attempts of creating melodies, I managed to surprise my family one day by humming and playing along to the theme song of “Inspector Gadget” by listening to the tune. My parents noticed my engagement and concentration with the keyboard that they decided to enroll me for piano classes.

As for vocal, my first on-stage appearance was at the age of seven. It all started during general music class when our music teacher told each of us to sing several short melodic passages. Several days later, my name was announced including another student to sing in-front of the entire elementary school assembly. After a few tries, I was able to sing the entire song in-front of my classmates and therefore I was selected to sing for the scheduled performances later that term. I remember my parents being shocked that evening of the performance because they had no idea that I was going to sing some solos. When I entered middle school, I participated in choirs and took vocal lessons throughout high school and college.

My overall teaching style is to provide a comfortable and enthusiastic environment so my students can learn music with pleasure and happiness. My philosophy of teaching is to adapt and customize lessons to suite the needs of the student. I strive for growth in my students by observing the student’s progress from a week to week glance and to provide guidance in music knowledge and appreciation. I have listened to a vast amount of music styles and am well structured to teach classical, Broadway and current songs of today. Most of my lessons focus on building piano and vocal technique, sight-reading/singing, rhythm and music theory. With the usage of technology during the lesson, we can use this resource to explore and discover musicians from around the world.

My passion for music started when I was 5, and my Grandmother put me on a stage to sing with her. From then on, I was hooked! It wasn’t long before I was taking piano lessons, enrolled in performing arts schools and participated in any and every kind of musical competition and performance, including student conducting which was my first taste of teaching. Continuing on to University for music seemed like a natural progression. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life! In college, I continued my musical growth by taking music courses in every degree program. Although my instrument of study was classical voice, I expanded my exposure to include blues, jazz, pop and rock...much to the disapproval of my very strict classical voice teachers!

Since 2001, I've taught voice & piano instruction to students from diverse backgrounds with varying musical aspirations through out South Florida, New York and Paris. Each place offering special growth opportunities for me as an artist and educator. I've performed, recorded and written a multitude of styles for producers, songwriters, for both myself and other musicians. I find that my ability to adapt and change styles is an asset to my teaching skills. I like to assess each students’ individual needs and incorporate a holistic instructional approach.

I believe music education should be a positive, encouraging and enjoyable experience! Learning the fundamentals of music gives students the tools for success in music and in life. It builds healthy musicianship skills, confidence and discipline. I was blessed with many wonderful teachers in my life which have all helped mold my personal ideals as a teacher. Every one of them left a great impact on me. I feel fortunate to have the same opportunity as a music instructor.

Although I am originally from Bulgaria, I lived in Japan when it all started for me, the world of piano and music. I was five years old when I got suspended from the Japanese kindergarten for disrupting the discipline of the class - all because I wanted to play the piano on which our kindergarten teacher accompanied us while we sang children's songs. The beautiful sounds she made mesmerized me. Sadly, no one else was allowed to touch the piano, which seemed to me a miraculous object. So I hid behind furniture and skipped lunch to be able to reach the piano without being noticed. Eventually the teacher found out and complained to my parents.

Later that year, my family went to the famous technological shopping area in Tokyo, called Akihabara to buy a TV set and a Nintendo for my brother. In one of the shops, I discovered a whole floor with electronic musical instruments - keyboards, drums and guitars. I was so happy to be there and spent the entire day playing on all the keyboards in the shop and pressing all the little buttons on the keyboards. I did not want to leave and cried until my parents bought me a keyboard. I soon learned to play all the pre-recorded midi melodies by ear and then my parents seriously considered signing me up for piano lessons.

It has been twenty years since then. I have received Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Piano Performance from the top New York music schools and have been performing and teaching extensively. I have immersed my life in music in the most natural way, without ever questioning whether this was the right choice for me. In my teaching, I combine professionalism with fun and create a learning experience that is individual to each student. My students have performed recitals in renowned venues, won international competitions and have been accepted in Juilliard Pre-college as well as Frank Sinatra Music School.

Teaching others how to play the piano and the virtues of music has been the greatest joy in my life. I believe that every child should learn music for the many benefits that it can deliver. I love teaching music, because I know that no matter if a child continues to pursue music as a profession or goes into a different field, I will have given him or her something of my knowledge and talent and taught them something that will remain and hopefully change their lives for good.

Originally from Bulgaria, I began my vocal, piano and harp studies at an early age. After I moved to the U.S., I continued my vocal studies with some of the most prominent teachers in traditional music. I also had the pleasure to sing in numerous music festivals, recitals, operas and chamber works.

As a music teacher, I believe the lessons should be positive and fun…although music does require practice and dedication. I strive to make the learning process inspirational and interesting. For each student, I assess their particular interests and then determine the best course to reach their goals. I believe all students can learn music, but not all students learn the same way or at the same rate. I always enjoy the challenge of finding new ways to teach a concept.

My parents put me in a music school when I was 3. Pianists and singers looked very cool to me and I wanted to be like them. My first dream piano piece was “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, 12 Variations” by Mozart which was in the tape recorder that my parents used to play at home and I performed it when I was quite young. My dream pieces grew many more to include Mozart’s Sonata in C major, K 330 and Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu, Edude Opus 10 No. 3.

I started to take voice lessons secretly from my parents with the money I made by my own when I was in high school. I’m especially in love with gospel music. I joined a gospel choir when I was in college and also started to teach those songs and direct gospel choir at my church and an elementary school.

When I hear music that inspires me, I want to play it! When I become one with the music I play, I can become the inspiration for others as well. Inspirations and dreams are the gift for us to achieve and I want to help my students to achieve theirs!

Currently, I’m the keyboard player of a Christian Rock Band, a classical pianist, and a gospel singer.

When I was five years old you might have seen me in front of the mirror: the music blasting and hairbrush for a microphone in my hand. I tortured my parents relentlessly until they allowed me to pursue my career at world acclaimed institutions in the U.K. and the United States.

One day, after years of performing with my band in London, Los Angeles, and New York City, a girl approached me after a gig and asked me if I would teach her how to sing. Needing the money, as most musicians do, I welcomed the opportunity to pay some bills. After the lesson was over the girl told me, “You are really good at this. You should think about doing this for a living”. From that point on, I have had a rewarding life doing what I love almost every second of the day.

This privilege of having a job doing what I love most has resulted in my teaching methods being featured on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel, MSNBC, and National Public Radio. In addition to appearing in national and international publications, I continue to conduct vocal seminars all around the world. My dreams have come true. It gives me great pleasure to help others achieve the same.

My music teaching style has two main focuses. First, I make certain that all my students know the foundations of music – reading music, familiarity and understanding of the notes all over the instrument and proper technique. Second, I steer the lessons towards the individual student's goals: whether it's Green Day or Bon Jovi rock, Train or Michael Jackson pop, Metallica or Lamb of God metal or even folk or jazz with a dash of classical.

I believe that, when teaching music, the basics should be covered and that students should be challenged, but at the same time guitar can and should be fun. Through this approach, I have had encountered success at iSchool — I've been here since the beginning in 2005, built up a consistent studio and taught quite a few students right up to college. I have experience teaching music to individuals aged 5 years old to adult and all skill levels.

I am very patient with beginners but also capable of teaching the most advanced techniques.

I am also the guitarist/singer/songwriter of my band Turrigenous.

Music. What is it, really? Well, to the dictionary, it's the "organization of sounds and silence." To me, music is fun — plain and simple. More specifically, playing guitar is fun. How can you NOT have fun playing guitar, rocking out with a band or cranking your amp all the way up? That's the way I approach guitar.

When I was 12, I took lessons from someone that was really by-the-book. It wasn't my style. So I found another teacher who actually listened to me and taught me things I wanted to learn, all the while showing me the theory and idea behind each lesson. That's when I really started to love playing guitar. My teacher, Jon Bivona (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Mark Wood Experience), was a huge inspiration not only to my playing, but to my teaching style. He helped me understand that to enjoy playing guitar (and everything you put into it) is what you get out of playing the guitar. After I understood, I started to absorb every aspect of guitar — technique, advanced theory, ear training and improvisation.

After college and 5 years of teaching music, I ended up joining a band with Greg Giordano, another teacher here at iSchool. It's an awesome experience, being in a band with such amazing musicians, that it really drives you to be your best. And the band experience teaches another set of skills you can only get by being in one… listening to your band mates while playing.

So whether you want to relax after school, or express yourself through song, or be the next Jimi Hendrix, I'll be able to get you to however far you're willing to go.

I started playing guitar seriously at the age of 12, my first influences being rock and metal. In my later teens, I became very interested in other music genres such as jazz, fusion and classical. I began my formal music education in college, ultimately obtaining a Master's Degree in Music Composition.

The road I've taken to teaching music has been paved with many unexpected twists and turns. Through a process of discovery, I have arrived at a point where I am able to productively incorporate knowledge from various experiences with music and education into my own creativity and teaching. I never expect to stop learning or exploring new forms of music, and I look forward to sharing valuable experiences and knowledge with my students.

First I became a fan of music in my late-teens, listening to all the hip rock and heavy bands of the time. Not long after, I realized I was hooked I had discovered a passion for music and decided to get serious about it. I started exploring other areas of music and was getting hungry to "learn" as well. I enrolled myself in Conservatory and studied classical guitar while leading a heavy band on the side. The mix of styles and influences created a very intriguing space to create.

While teaching, my main concern is keeping this feeling alive. The lesson is a success when the student leaves inspired, intrigued by something new they've learned or experienced during the lesson and are willing to go home and explore more. Apart from learning how to read, write and understand music, the process of mastering/exploring an instrument teaches you a great deal about communicating, interacting and expressing yourself. This part of growing is what's more important and beneficial in music. Plus it's so much fun!

I grew up in a home where music was present from an early age. I remember singing along with my Mom to all the hits and oldies on the radio and later spending countless hours playing again along to my Dad's classic vinyl rock collection. Music has always been an irreplaceable part of life to me, and from the beginning has served as a constant source of fun, excitement and enchantment. I believe that this attraction towards music exists within all of us, and that's the number one thing I try to foster within my students — an excitement and intrigue towards music, and the sheer joy and fun of playing.

I have been playing and teaching music professionally since my junior year of high school and have had the pleasure of experiencing many diverse performances, from rock festivals to backing Regis Philbin, from free improvisation ensembles to accompaniment for dancers, from piano trios to a 10-piece Motown band. My time spent earning a bachelors degree in Music allowed me to pursue a detailed understanding of the history of modern drumming by studying with jazz legend Billy Hart. As a teacher I've had the most fun and experience working with beginners, developing the fundamentals and getting into the groove!

As a native of England with the accent to prove it, New York has been my home for the past four years. I recently received the Artist of Extraordinary Ability visa, which enables me to work as a professional musician in the United States.

My first concert in New York was for none other than Mayor Bloomberg inside Gracie Mansion. I have toured the world the past ten years and have earned a reputation as a consummate sideman. I also write music for my own band, Atlantic Quartet, and have recently performed for notable venues such as the Blue Note, Iridium and Smalls jazz club.

I am very proud of my iSchool drummers and always encourage them to listen to a broad range of musical styles and focus on the practical side of drumming.

I have a Masters Degree in Performance and Arranging. For more info and to see my work in action, go to…

I have been surrounded with music since a very early age. My parents were from Ireland and loved their native music. I remember going to New York's Erin's Isle, East Durham, in the Catskill Mountains where they would enter me into talent contests. I won many of them as a singer and had a blast just sitting there watching the bands play, but I always wanted to be a drummer. (After all, while I was an infant, my mother told me the family band needed one.)

At the age of 13, I played my first paid gig for my brother and sister's newly formed band, Shannon Breeze. (Granted, I was the replacement drummer… theirs had gotten into trouble with his parents.) My Father and I drove up the NY Thruway, met my brother and sister halfway, transferred the drum kit (and me) into the "Band Van" and headed for the gig at the famous Irish Music Festival in aforementioned East Durham. We performed well and had a lot of fun. But then, they handed me my pay afterwards. I couldn't believe I could get paid for something I loved to do! I was hooked.

From then I went on to play in the band full time. By the time I entered high school, I was already performing every weekend, all the while performing in various ensembles in Holy Cross High School under the tutor of Michael Lipsey, who is now the Percussion Dept. Director at Queens College. When I entered Holy Cross, his newly formed percussion quartet, Talújon, were artists-in-residence. We had a fantastic percussion program and performed very challenging material by very well known composers. I was lucky to be there, learning so much at such an early age.

After earning my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Percussion Performance, I have returned to what I love the most: drum set and singing. I now play drums/percussion and sing, simultaneously and separately, with multiple artists all over the NY area. I have been a member of the Kenny Ford Band under Hank Lane Music Productions since 2003. I also perform in numerous cover bands including Rockjunky and 3BD. I am also the lead singer of the Soundgarden Tribute Band, Jesus Christ Pose. I have performed and recorded numerous jingles and songs with various artists around the tri-state area. I can be heard on radio and TV and now perform live usually at least a dozen or more times a month. I'm very thankful to be able to make music my love and life, and I hope, through my experience, I can inspire my students to love music as much as I do. And maybe make some money in the process!

With the unique experience of having orchestrated music not only for drums, but guitar and vocals as well in an original band, I offer a distinct perspective when it comes to drumming.

While teaching music, I am easy-going and strive for inspiration. I value teaching multiple styles of music and appropriate technique, but am extremely adaptable and tailor my lessons to fit the interests of each student. In addition, I believe all students should understand how the drummer is more often part of a larger picture. To give students an appreciation of this context, I frequently play the guitar along with them during lessons. I believe this helps to develop a greater perceptive of the music being played. (Not to mention the students invariably find it more enjoyable.)

My musical training began at an early age and includes classical studies with members of the NYC Metropolitan Opera, Binghamton, Philadelphia Symphony Orchestras and various other notable artists. I also have an extensive academic background, acquiring a Doctorate degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University where I received the Stuart I. Gurman, MD Award, which is "given to that graduate of high scholastic achievement who best showed a continuous interest and activity in art, music, literature, or the public interest, realizing that living and learning go together."

I fell in love with improvisation the first time I heard it in person, growing up near Kansas City — I had never imagined it was possible to do that! After that, I immersed myself in the performance and practice of great classical and jazz performers, their histories and their techniques. I aspire to a high level of woodwind playing and musical sensitivity like my musical heroes.

My college experiences had me studying with one of the founding voices of classical saxophone in America, Eugene Rousseau, and I enjoyed an association (in class and on stage) with one of the pioneers of jazz education, David Baker. Attracted by the diversity of music's many languages, I've played in jazz, rock, free improvised, funk, classical and soul bands.

While teaching music, I strive to be an empathetic, dedicated and patient educator. My focus is on building a firm musical foundation while embracing each student's interests.

I currently pursue original music with several ensembles, including my modern jazz group the (x)tet — which released a CD on Watercourse Records in 2009 — and the Saxophone Cartel, which was invited to perform at the 2004 North Sea Jazz Festival. I am fortunate to have performed with The Temptations in 2007, and I made an appearance on NBC Today in May 2009 with the NYC Drumadics.