INFORMAL LESSONS FOR ENJOYMENT AND FUN

Those who favor this approach feel that they "have enough stress from daily life, and that they want to enjoy lessons. Music is supposed to be fun."

Lessons are designed for each student to be as fun as possible
Motivational materials are from MUSIC TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM CD’s chosen by student and teacher
Students decide the musical style they want to learn (for example, an Eric Clapton solo)
Focus is on REAL MUSIC -- Exercises are kept to a minimum
No Boring Method Books
No Pressure, No Competition, No Recitals
Minimum Practice Time
"Playing by Ear" is stressed
Reading music is not a major part of the lessons
How to Pick Music Out from CDs
The student may blend both approaches and choose any topics (below) used to prepare for NYSMA, Jazz Lab, or a College Music Major.

LESSONS TO PREPARE FOR NYSSMA, OR A MUSIC CAREER

The focus of lessons is much more intense and specialized topics are studied. Those who favor this approach feel that "If I am paying for lessons, I want my child to commit to a certain amount of daily practice time if they are going to take lessons." Here, we focus on performance skills (for NYSSMA and JAZZ LAB), and general music skills for college advanced placement or scholarship applicants. Instruction is available in the following areas:

Reading Music
Music Theory
Harmony
Basic Keyboard Skills
Diatonic (or Atonal) Ear Training
Composition
Counterpoint
Improvisation
Professional Level Materials (depending on the student)

Instruments and Topics

Stony Brook School of Music offers professional instruction on all of the following topics and instruments: