
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.
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Undergraduate Degree: SUNY at Stonybrook - Bachelors, Music
Graduate Degree: Yale University - PHD, Music
Reading, performing music, guitar.
- 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.