Now accepting students at the Quiet Corner Music Studio in Ashford, CT!
For info, use the Contact page and put “Lessons” as the subject.
My teaching philosophy is simple: mastery and musicality. My goal as a musician and teacher is to inspire and foster an appreciation and understanding of music in all of my students, while encouraging proper technique. My lesson curriculum breaks down into three sections: routine, recognition, and realization.
ROUTINE: During the beginning of each lesson, we will discuss and improve warm-up and daily practice routines, technical aspects of each instrument, scale/arpeggio exercises, and other ways to increase technical prowess.
RECOGNITION: During lessons, we will look at music through an analytical point of view. Students will learn about “music theory” in its melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic elements. I use a stress-free approach to learning about how and why music functions the way it does with the intention of using it to improve playing.
REALIZATION: The most critical aspect of lessons is applying technique and theory to real repertoire. Students will learn melodic studies, etudes, and pieces with precise technique and mature musicality.
My lessons are customized for each student. Though there are obvious methods to each instrument, every student learns differently, and it is my goal to find a learning method perfect for you. We will discuss practice habits, methodic approaches, and more in our path to bringing out the musician you can become.
“It takes a long time to sound like yourself.” -Myles Davis
Testimonials
“Vincent is a gifted musician and a talented teacher. He challenges my son in a way that keeps him excited about music. Vincent’s teaching leaves a lasting impression as his positive feedback keeps my son beaming days after a lesson; but, more importantly, my son can apply Vincent’s musical methods even when working on his own. Working with Vincent has been priceless. I’m constantly amazed at how committed he is to making my son better – even going so far as to compose musical pieces for him! I would highly recommend Vincent to any and all looking for a quality music teacher.” – K.F., mother of a current alto/soprano saxophone student
“I come away from each lesson feeling more confident in my improving ability. While nothing escapes Vincent’s notice, his corrections are always positive and addressed with practical solutions. I really look forward to lessons because the experience is very positive.” – Peggy Church, current adult bassoon student
“Vincent LaMonica is a fantastic instructor. I began studying with him the summer before my senior year of high school and I also worked with him in the previous 3 years at Laurel Music Camp. Not only did he help me to improve my sound as an oboist, he also helped me to grow as an overall musician. While studying with Vincent, I improved in sight-reading as well as in music theory skills. When I auditioned to music schools, I felt very well prepared because of how Vincent pushed me during lessons and the amount of time that he put into helping me prepare my audition music. I truly felt that he cared about my success, and he is most definitely one of the best teachers that I have ever worked with.” – A.K., current education/oboe student at the University of Southern Maine, former student, former camper at Laurel Music Camp
“Vincent conveys a true passion for his work in every musical context. Inside the classroom he balances both individual and ensemble time effectively and provides impactful insight and credible criticism contributing towards the overall musicianship of the group. Not only does Vincent provide quality instruction in group settings, but he also makes time to instruct individuals separately, outside the ensemble time. He provides valuable lessons on general musicianship pertaining to specific instrumentation, contributing to the learner’s skill set. Although our time spent together is a mere week every summer, I can credit Vincent as my greatest mentor throughout my entire musical career. As a pre-service educator I aspire to be similar to him in the way he truly cares about his students, valuing their education over his personal priorities and the way he relates to his students in a fundamental way allowing for tremendous growth within a short period of time. Vincent is not only my greatest mentor, but also one of my greatest colleagues as a young musician.” – R.R., current education/clarinet student at Western Connecticut State University, former camper at Laurel Music Camp
Resources for Students
Check out my store page on Teachers Pay Teachers – you can find my multi-volume scale studies here, and some free goodies like duets and arrangements!
Know of a great online resource for students?
Use the Contact page and put “Student Resources” as the subject.
Resources for Teachers
Check out my store page on Teachers Pay Teachers – you can find my multi-volume scale studies here, and some free goodies like duets and arrangements!
(This section is under construction – check back soon for more great resources)
All student photos, videos, and testimonials are used with permission.
Vincent LaMonica 