Areas of Work: Suffolk County, Nassau County
Ages Taught: All Ages. Great with kids!
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Pop, Theory
Levels Taught:
Guitar: Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
Piano: Beginning, Intermediate
Brian Lee, co-owner of Galliard Music, is a guitarist, pianist, and composer based in New York.
He studied the guitar with Steve Salerno, the piano with Geoffrey Burleson and Gary Hammond, and composition with Sidney Boquiren. Brian holds a Masters of the Arts in Music Education from Hunter College and a Bachelors of Science in Music Performance from Adelphi University.
A licensed NYS certified music teacher, Brian has student teaching experience at P.S. 116 Mary Lindley Murray Elementary School and Washington Irving High School in Manhattan for general music and piano classes. An instructor of the guitar and piano since 2005, Brian has taught students of all ages and levels and is experienced in aiding students with special needs.
He has been performing live since 2003 in a few different bands on the guitar, bass guitar, and vocals across Long Island and in NYC. Currently, he can be heard performing in an original band, “Electricians” based in Brooklyn, NY.
Testimonials
“My 12-year old son Patrick has been taking piano lessons with Brian for almost two years. Patrick has autism, and many people were skeptical when they heard that I wanted him to learn how to play an instrument. Patrick has done amazingly well – due in great respect to Brian. He has developed a relationship with Patrick that has enabled them to form a true partnership. Brian has an unending supply of patience which, with his calm demeanor and enthusiasm for teaching, has enabled Patrick to progress at a steady pace. Patrick has learned to focus better as well as take correction better. When Patrick does get ‘antsy’, Brian has the ability to bring him back to task. It is so encouraging to see Patrick’s pride in his accomplishments each week and the joy on his face when he plays for our family. He has even played the piano for his classmates in school. I truly believe that this would not have been possible if it weren’t for Brian, and I am so thankful for the work that he’s done with my son!”
Susan Rowland, piano
“Brian Lee was referred to us from a terrific friend. This referral was the best thing we could have done. Not only is Brian a seasoned pianist, he also performs on guitar and sings with ease!!! His new band called “Electricians” is fantastic. You must check it out! We love music in our home and Brian has made it possible for our son to learn to play with enthusiasm. His patience and his expertise in music theory and performance is exponentially great. He is a keeper. We adore him!!!”
Diane McGowan, piano
“When Aaron changed his focus to drums, I told him he had to take a string instrument to keep his reading music intact. After choosing guitar, we needed an instructor. We found Brian. He brings a lot of patience to the table when teaching a child. He engages his student, while listening to, and answering any questions. Aaron says he likes Brian because he’s a cool guy and understands if you ‘mess up’. It’s exciting as a student to know that your teacher is in a band, and as a mom I know that brings a lot of experience itself to the lesson. We are especially pleased with the instruction Brian provided for the NYSSMA solo; it gave Aaron a ton of confidence to perform in front of the judge. We look forward to continuing lessons with Brian, because he is well-versed in various music styles and will help Aaron improve his playing ability, as well as music appreciation.”
Ava Klein, guitar
“Brian Lee has been coming to our home and teaching guitar to our teenage daughter Danielle for almost a year now. Brian is very easy going and my daughter was very comfortable with him from the start. We feel that he connects with her and inspires her to excel in her guitar playing. She enjoys her lessons and practicing is never a chore. His method of teaching is not by the “Alfred” book; he teaches material/topics that are interesting and fun to the student, but are also beneficial in improving their skills.”
Tom DiFrancisco, guitar