Hampton Bays Couple Expands Music Business, Offers Additional Lessons

They're a couple with a dream. And now, they've expanded their private lesson business to share their passion for music with even more students.

Michael Farkas, who, along with Lauren Petrolito, owns Note for Note music in Hampton Bays, offers lessons in the comfort of a student's own home.

Since launching their business, the duo has branched out, now offering guitar, bass guitar and voice, along with their initial classes in piano, brass, and woodwinds. 

"In the next couple of months our plan is to provide orchestral string and percussion lessons," the pair said.

"We think our business is becoming successful because, on the East End we felt there weren't as many opportunities for students and adults to pursue private music instruction."

Not only do they bring the lessons directly to a client, but the pair hopes to develop a rapport, too, something both feel is important.

"We both have been in experiences where lessons have been strictly business and while, yes, it is a business we are running, we like to have a personal relationship with our students and their families," Farkas said.

The pair said there are many rewards that come from imbuing their love of music in students. "Seeing their skills improve is a big one, but watching them connect and understand what they're learning, without them realizing it, is what is the greatest. It means we are doing what we love best and that is educating and making it enjoyable."

Music is important to younger generations, both said, because it allows them to be creative, show expression, and helps academically.

"We find students who wish to focus on musical studies should have an understanding and appreciation for the foundations of music. The younger generations are growing up with electronic-based music, where a computer is generating the sounds. Our mission is to expose the younger generations to music of the past. This will show our students how music has progressed from decade to decade," the two said, in a joint interview.

The couple not only shares a love for each other, but penchant for music that prompted them to launch their new private music lesson service in Hampton Bays. 

The business, Farkas said, started when he and his girlfriend, who is a lifelong Hampton Bays resident, realized that there was a growing need for music lessons in the area. 

"So many schools are cutting music out of their budgets, we felt that we could offer lessons to kids who can't get lessons in their schools."

Farkas said he and his girlfriend also hope to teach to children that are home-schooled.

Both Farkas, who hails from Bellmore, and Petrolito are New York certified teachers with degrees from Five Towns College in music education. Farkas also holds a masters in music from Queens College and Petrolito is working on hers at the same school. 

Lessons are available for children as young as three, as well as adults. 

"No one is ever too old to learn an instrument," said Farkas, who said a variety of time slots are available, including during the day. 

Half-hour classes are $30 each or a $99 pre-paid package is available for four sessions. 

For more information, call 631-609-6683 or visit their website here.