Learn music with an award-winning indie singer/songwriter & recording artist (ECR Music Group, NYC), founder of Hook & Ladder Records, actor, creator, writer, scoring composer, and producer with PizzaDog Studios (including the new web series Cloyd), and co-founder of Buffalo Music Club.

Songwriting is the center of my musical universe. I've been playing music since I was four years old, and teaching music lessons on a variety of instruments, pursuits and styles for at least 25 years. And I'm still a big believer in the fundamentals—discipline, technique, practicing, music theory . . . no matter what kind of musician you want to be, it isn't fun if you can't play. But songwriting is the center of my musical universe. It holds it all together for me—constantly giving me the focus, meaning, and purpose I need to return to the well over and over again. There's only one feeling in the world better than finishing a song, and that's starting the next one.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Keyboard & Synth, MIDI, Vocals
• Pursuits: Songwriting, Composition & Arranging, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production, Scoring
• Styles: Indie, Singer/Songwriter, Folk, Classical

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 15 and up, but will work with younger students under the right circumstances
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:00pm–6:00pm
• Saturdays: 10:00am–12:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at cloyd@buffalomusicclub.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro bassist, guitarist, & touring performer (SZA, Mac Ayres, Cautious Clay, Aqueous), composer, and songwriter (Brasstracks).

Find, develop, and control your unique musical voice. The relationship between a teacher and a student is one that requires trust. My "M.O." as an educator is to develop that trust with my students and embark on an individualized path that's educational for both of us. And while each path is personal, they all lead to the same destination—discovering one's own musical voice. Through tone, articulation, perspective, and energy, you will achieve and express your individual voice. But total CONTROL of that voice is how you achieve validation and versatility in music. Together, we will use multiple approaches, perspectives, and techniques to find and control your voice. Regardless of your instrument, prior knowledge, or current skill level, we can transcend the barrier between idea and execution.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Songwriting
• Styles: Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul/Funk

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 6 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

Declan is currently unavailable to teach one-on-one music lessons due to his busy touring schedule. Please check back at another time. Feel free to contact him at declanmiersbooking@gmail.com to express your interest for notification on future availability.

Learn music with an award-winning pro guitarist (Far Trio), composer, music educator (Planet Music School), and bassist.

Since 2005, Drew has been helping his students develop their skills and achieve their musical goals, whether that goal is to just have more music in their life, get into a conservatory, or be a professional guitarist. He teaches improvisation, classical guitar, jazz theory, and fretboard harmony across a diverse set of styles, from jazz and classical to tango and Bossa nova, plus blues, funk, and rock. Drew’s teachings come from studying with the greatest minds in classical guitar, jazz theory, and guitar, as well as his vast playing experiences touring the northeast while opening for distinguished artists like Greg Allman, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Debbie Davies, T-Pain, and Devon Allman.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Classical Guitar, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Songwriting
• Styles: Blues, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Soul/Funk, Traditional

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Mondays: 4:00pm–7:30pm
• Tuesdays: 1:00pm–7:00pm
• Wednesdays: 3:30pm–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at email-booking@drewazzinaro.com to discuss.

Learn music with an award-winning pro bassist (The Jakob's Ferry Stragglers, Darryl Washington, Greg Millar, Rey Scott, Bobby Jones, Doug Yeomans, Mary Ramsey, Ray Hangen, Joe Rozler, The Tim Clarke Soul-tet), guitarist, and music educator (SUNY Fredonia).

Learn the instrument—AND the music. Ed Croft is one of WNY’s hardest working freelance musicians. Equally at home in styles ranging from bebop jazz to honky tonk country, Croft always strives to serve the song through his playing. It is this quality that he instills in students—teaching them to be musicians, and not merely people who play instruments. Students will learn the skills to make them a gig-ready team player!

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Alternative, Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, Indie, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soul/Funk, Traditional, World Music

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 10 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays: 4:30pm–9:00pm
• Sundays: 9:00am–9:00pm
• 30 minutes: $35
• 60 minutes: $65

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at crof1686@fredonia.edu to discuss.

Learn music with an award-winning vocalist and opera singer.

"I believe in a holistic approach to singing, ensuring that students receive the tools they need to become their most authentic, prepared, and well-rounded selves." Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes teaches a variety of genres and styles using the same fundamental techniques, working with students to find their core sound, discuss what they want to say as an artist, and cultivate a collaborative environment to fine-tune each musician's individual skills.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Voice (all levels), Piano (beginners only)
• Pursuits: Performance, Music Theory
• Styles: Classical, Opera, Pop, Indie, Musical Theatre, Jazz

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 14 and up, but will work with younger students under the right circumstances
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced voice students are welcome
• Beginner piano students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually, as I will be at the Chautauqua Institution Festival School for the summer, then attending graduate school at Juilliard in the fall. (In-person lessons in NYC may be possible, to be determined.)
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at ehayes.mezzo@gmail.com to discuss. SPECIAL NOTE FOR SUMMER 2023: My availability is going to be very sporadic during the next few months. Please email me prior to scheduling a lesson. Thanks!

Learn music with a pro trumpet player (Jay/Sharptet), composer, music educator (Villa Maria College, BPS), and founder & artistic director of the Buffalo Jazz Repertory Ensemble.

“Through first-class education, a generation marches down the long uncertain road of the future with confidence.” —Wynton Marsalis The emotional connection to music that all humans share is the foundation of my music education philosophy. How I help students to experience meaningful and thought-provoking music is my job as a music educator. I believe active learning, student-led learning, and setting high expectations for yourself and your students are the foundation for thoughtful teaching. In our lessons, we will not only work on mastering the fundamentals of your instrument, but we will also work on establishing your personal goals as a musician and refining your own personal musicianship.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba, Music Software
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Songwriting
• Styles: Classical, Blues, Pop, R&B, Soul/Funk, Jazz

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 8 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in Kenmore, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety) If you are interested in lessons at my studio will we schedule a free 30 min pre-lesson on Zoom before your first in person lesson.
• Wednesdays: 3:00pm–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at jacobjosephjay@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with an award-winning pro guitarist and music educator (Director of Guitar Program, Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts).

“Life is not about finding our limitations, it’s about finding infinity.” —Herbie Hancock My teaching philosophy has three components:

• Teaching you what YOU want to learn
• Helping you draw connections between your personality and music
• Showing you the various paths that you can take as a musician

Whether it’s “Smoke on the Water” or “Giant Steps,” I’m ready to take you anywhere you want to go musically. I have experience teaching in almost all styles and genres, as well as all forms of notation and TABlature. Anything that doesn’t have a searchable transcription, we can always learn by ear together. I create shareable online documents for each of my students, recording your progress and your achievements, as well as audio or video recordings that will help you reach your goals (so you’ll never forget anything we worked on). I also encourage all of my students to reach out to me at any time for any questions or concerns they have, no matter how small it may be! I’m here for YOU, and the sky's the limit!

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Music Software (Noteflight, Sibelius, Guitar Pro, Soundslice, and more)
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Songwriting
• Styles: Top 40 & Dance Music (Hip-Hop/Rap, Soul/Funk), Performing Arts (Classical, Jazz), Rock (Metal/Hard Rock)

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in North Buffalo, NY
• Tuesdays–Fridays: 3:00pm–10:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at jtinkham716@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro trombone player (Tiger Chung Lee, Blue Rootz), multi-instrumentalist, low-brass music educator, and instrument maintenance & repair tech.

Learn how to be a great individual AND ensemble player. Like all good music teachers, my core instruction focuses on the basics, including how to develop proper instrumental technique, good warm-up routines and practice habits, and music theory and ear training. But from the beginning, I like to lay the groundwork for the fun stuff—all of the reasons I got into music in the first place! Solid fundamentals have allowed me to thrive as an arranger for horn sections, an improviser, and a transcriber. No matter what kind of music you like to listen to, no matter what players you want to learn how to imitate, it's never to early to start pursuing your passions.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Trombone, Euphonium, Baritone, Tuba, Sousaphone
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Composition & Arranging, Instrument Repair & Maintenance, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Blues, Classical, Jazz, Soul/Funk, Rock

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 8 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in North Buffalo, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Mondays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 6:00pm–8:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at cheslakjoe@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro drummer (Moby, Ne-Yo, Robyn, AJR, Ingrid Michaelson, Sam Moore, The Temptations), producer, music educator, and career coach.

Learn the fundamentals of drumming—for playing AND the real world. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Joe Goretti's unique approach to teaching will help any student achieve their personal goals. As a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Joe has enjoyed a successful career as a world-class professional freelance drummer. He teaches not only the fundamentals of drumming but also how to apply it in the real world. During lessons with Joe, students will learn about reading and writing music, rudiments and applications, ear training, soloing, double bass drum technique, and much more across a variety of styles and situations. No matter what you want to accomplish as a drummer, Joe Goretti will show you the way!

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Drums & Percussion, Music Software
• Pursuits: Beat Production, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop/Rap, Electronic/Dance

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 12:00pm–7:00pm
• Saturdays & Sundays: 10:00am–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at joe@joegoretti.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro saxophonist, pianist, music educator, and performer.

Putting the "fun" back in the fundamentals. One-on-one music lessons with Jon Lehning cover all fundamentals of the student's instrument and overall musicianship, including any music that the student wants to work on personally, music from school, or suggestions by Jon. Studies can also be designed to focus on whatever the student's particular interests and goals or strengths and weaknesses are—whether it's a particular styles of music you want to learn how to play, or a specific aspect of your playing that you want to improve, Jon can help you reach your goals.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Blues, Classical, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Soul/Funk

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 6 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted virtually or at my studio in Williamsville, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Mondays–Fridays: 1:00pm–9:00pm
• 30 minutes: $35
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at jrl5874@aol.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro tuba player, bass guitarist, & touring performer (Lost In The Trees, SNMNMNM, The Avett Brothers, Superchunk, and Peter Holsapple), music educator, and founder & CEO of Markola Beverages.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Piano
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Music Life Mentoring, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Alternative, Blues, Classical, Country, Folk, Indie, Jazz, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul/Funk

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 11 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Mondays–Thursdays: 9:00am–7:00pm
• Saturdays: 11:00am–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at mark.daumen@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with an award-winning pro bandoneon player, accordionist, violinist, violist, composer, arranger, & performer (Buffalo Tango Orkestra), and music educator (UB, Shul Music).

Reach for your musical goals. At Shul Music, I'm ready to share my experience and expertise with you to reach your musical goals.

• As an accordion and bandoneon player, I teach all levels using Russian techniques and pedagogy books
• As a pianist, I offer an exciting and informative intro to piano for beginning and intermediate levels
• As a violinist and violist, I teach all levels using traditional and Suzuki methods
• As a composer and arranger, I cover writing skills, songwriting, and creative thinking

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Accordion, Bandoneon, Piano, Violin, Viola
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Classical, Traditional (Tango & Gypsy)

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 6 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• Lessons are currently conducted either virtually or at my studio in University Heights, Buffalo, NY (following CDC guidelines for safety)
• Mondays & Tuesdays: 4:00pm–6:00pm
• Wednesdays: 9:00am–1:00pm
• Thursdays: 5:00pm–6:00pm
• Sundays: 3:00pm–6:00pm
• 30 minutes: $30
• 45 minutes: $50

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at 78momo24@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro composer, bassist, producer, and arranger (Brian Culbertson, Najee, Julius Wilson, Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Me’Lisa Morgan, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift, “Stevie J” Jordan, Walter Kemp 3).

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Synth Bass
• Pursuits: Improvisation, Music Business, Music Life Mentoring, Music Theory, Performance, Recording & Audio Production
• Styles: Alternative, Blues, Classical, Country, Electronic/Dance, Folk, Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Jazz, Metal/Hard Rock, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soul/Funk, Traditional

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students of all ages
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10:00am–9:30pm
• 30 minutes: $40
• 60 minutes: $60

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at rishonodel2@gmail.com to discuss.

Learn music with a pro bassist (Nick Jonas, Cee-lo Green, Willow & Jaden Smith, Adam Lambert, Lizzo, Bernard Purdie), vocalist, model, and music educator.

Build your bass knowledge from A to Z. Zuri offers personal bass instruction to players from beginner to advanced, as well as private vocal instruction to beginners. Lessons are offered to teach and improve on reading notation and tabs, improvisation over various styles, bass line building, music theory, ear training and more. Whether you are a full-time player or if you are just looking to expand your musical perspective and approach, you can learn something to improve as a player and musician through private instruction.

My Favorite Things to Teach

• Instruments: Bass Guitar, Vocals
• Pursuits: Composition & Arranging, Improvisation, Music Theory, Performance
• Styles: Alternative, Blues, Hip-Hop/Rap, Indie, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Rock, Soul/Funk

Ages & Skill Levels

• I work best with students ages 6 and up
• Beginner, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome

Availability & Rates

• All lessons are currently conducted virtually
• Tuesdays–Fridays: 12:00pm–6:00pm
• Saturdays: 12:00pm–5:00pm
• 30 minutes: $35
• 60 minutes: $65

Use the calendar below to check upcoming availability and book your next lesson online. If there are no bookings available, or you need a different day or time, contact me at zuriappleby87@gmail.com to discuss.