Connect with hundreds of tutors like Peter

Who needs tutoring?
What prompted you to seek tutoring?

I am very happy with our experience so far with Varsity Tutors. They matched my daughter with reading specialist Mary and she is wonderful! My 10 year old daughter feels happy after her sessions and believes her tutor has already helped her.

— Allison K

What prompted you to seek tutoring?

Varsity Tutors really helped me understand the concepts during my Calculus 2 class. My tutor has such amazing patience and is open to many questions! Lastly, was always on time and very prompt. Highly suggest Varsity Tutors.

— Joey T

How soon would you like to get started?
Did you know?

Understanding your timeframe helps us to develop a tailor-made learning plan just for you.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:
Did you know?

stars

We have a 4.9/5 average customer satisfaction rating.

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

Found me a great Python, C Programming, and MatLab tutor for a Engineering Computation course.

— Charles C

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

The best tutoring service period. The customer service is beyond impeccable. They provide options that are perfectly suited to your needs. They've done such a wonderful job with my daughter in high school, I plan to use their services when she attends college. I highly recommend Varsity Tutors.

— Yvette

Let's finish up your profile so we can find the perfect tutor:

We know every student is unique. And they deserve a tutoring experience as unique as their needs. With thousands of tutors available, we're confident to find the one best for you.

A photo of Peter, a tutor from SUNY at Stonybrook

Peter

Certified Tutor

I have a doctorate from Yale University and am an active musician, teacher, and writer. My professional experience includes: private tuition, tutoring, schoolteaching, and university lectures. I believe teaching can be both creative and effective, which I achieve by applying personally tailored lessons, varied approaches, and professional methods. My teaching aims to meet the individual needs of each student through carefully structured lessons that establish strong foundations and encourages a dialogue of mutual engagement and continued understanding.

Connect with a tutor like Peter

Peter’s Qualifications
Education & Certification

Undergraduate Degree: SUNY at Stonybrook - Bachelors, Music

Graduate Degree: Yale University - PHD, Music

Hobbies

Reading, performing music, guitar.

Tutoring Subjects
ACT Reading
ACT Writing
American Literature
AP English Language and Composition
Art
Bass Guitar
College Application Essays
College English
College Level American History
College Level American Literature
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
English
English Grammar and Syntax
Essay Editing
Geography
Graduate Test Prep
GRE
Guitar
Handwriting
High School English
High School Geography
High School Level American History
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
History
HSPT Prep
IB Music
ISEE Prep
ISEE-Lower Level Reading Comprehension
ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
Lute
Mac Basic Computer Skills
Mandolin
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Music
Music Theory
Other
Philosophical Ethics
Phonics
Public Speaking
REGENTS Prep
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language
Social Sciences
Social Studies
Spelling Bee
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
Technical Writing
Technology and Coding
Test Prep
Ukulele
Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?

Listen, absorb, and be patient and inspiring. Try to bring knowledge out of the student through support, structure, encouragement, and engagement.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Ask the student about themselves, why they are taking the lessons, and what they hope to achieve. I will give the students an overview of the lesson and future lessons and discuss learning and study techniques and strategies.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Teach practice strategies that include scheduling and planning. I would set tasks for the student to achieve or research for the next session and regularly review their work.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Display enthusiasm, keep the student engaged in discussion, and demonstrate real interest in their progress.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

 I would explain vocabulary, restructure the reading, break it down, and then guide them through the narrative.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I introduce myself, and I get to know the student and their interest in the subject. Give an overview of the subject, and identify key concepts and vocabulary. Describe what is interesting about the subject.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Firstly, the teaching should be enthusiastic and convey that love of learning and the subject to the student. Relate the subject to a "real world" interest that the student may have. Encourage questions.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Encourage the student to ask questions about the subject, and then ask the student questions that will allow them to answer in a variety of ways. I find that having the student attempt to play the role of the teacher often helps me assess their level of understanding.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Encouragement, patience, and demonstrate a genuine interest in them as a person. Always note (verbally) when they are "getting it right" and use constructive and positive language when guiding them from misunderstanding.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

If the student is "getting it" rather quickly, accelerate the learning so they are not bored. If the student is struggling, modify the pace, break the topic into smaller bits, find supplementary material, and encourage questions.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I use all types of media, if appropriate; that includes the printed and spoken word, videos, recorded musical examples, references to journals and textbooks, as well as my own outlines and documents.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Know their age and level of education. Evaluate how they approach written or verbal instructions. Try to read body language, visual, and verbal cues that demonstrate understanding and engagement.