Music Lessons

BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, AND ADVANCED MUSIC INSTRUCTION
KEYBOARD, VOICE, PERCUSSION, GUITAR, UKULELE, AND MORE!
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

 

$200 . . .  . .60 minutes
$150 . . . . . 45 minutes
$100 . . . . . 30 minutes

 

 

Curriculum

 

  1. Musical Instrument is Introduced - Lesson goals may include learning the names for different parts of a musical instrument, exploring the sounds it makes, learning how to treat musical instruments properly, and practicing how to sit and breathe while playing.

  2. Introduction to simplified music notation and the names for notes and fingers.

  3. Students develop mastery for playing easy songs with simplified music notation.

  4. Introduction to scales and practice drills - These basic exercises help show what fundamental techniques and practice habits need more developing.

  5. Mastery for playing advanced songs, longer scales, and more complex practice drills with simplified music notation.

  6. Introduction to songwriting*, musical improvisation**, or reading traditional music notation***, depending on the client's goals and preference

  7. Improving technique and maintaining good practice habits

 

*Students receive support and guidance in the songwriting process

 

**Students learn to compose music simultaneously as they are performing it

 

***Students develop their fluency in playing music from sheet music

Instructor

Michael J Russo, MS

Hello, I’m Michael. I’m a music teacher, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys playing guitar, piano, violin, percussion, bass, banjo, ukulele, and a variety of electronic instruments. My aim is to help students to discover the freedom that comes with playing a musical instrument fluently, and the deep meaning and enjoyment that comes from creative self-expression. I’m grateful every day for the chance to do this work, and I’d be honored to support you in your musical and artistic journey!

 

 

A Letter from a Student's Parent

"I want to share our wonderful experience with this piano program and, in particular, with my son’s piano instructor, Michael. My son Daniel is autistic and has developmental, emotional, and social challenges. He’s usually hesitant with new people or activities. From the very first in-person lesson, however, Michael’s patience, kindness, and professionalism created an environment where Daniel felt comfortable and supported.


Michael has a special way of connecting with my son, encouraging him gently and celebrating every bit of progress. Because of this, I’ve seen remarkable improvements not only in his musical growth but also in his attention span, focus, verbal communication, and confidence. The chemistry between them is truly inspiring, and each lesson feels like a step forward both musically and personally.


I’m so grateful for the dedication and support that Michael and the entire team have shown. It’s been amazing to see how much joy and development this program has brought into our lives, especially since opportunities like this for young adults with special needs are rare in New York."