Trumpet Lessons in Wood Ridge Garfield, NJ

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I typically create my own lesson plans and try to cater them to the student. Most recently I've been working with trying to find a balance of teaching music theory and practical piano. When teaching theory, I often refer to Kotska's and Payne's "Tonal Harmony" for the order of the curriculum, and when it comes to exercises I will either write them out on the spot to demonstrate something to the student (I also feel it is important to SHOW the student how to MAKE music, ie. proper note notation, and symbol shape), or prepare them in advance if the content is more complex. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet French Horn

I customize curriculum and study books based on the student's needs. For high school students, I assign a program of etude study, orchestral excerpts and solo work appropriate to their skill level to prepare them for competitive honor ensembles and college auditions. For middle schoolers, I assess their current skill level and method books used in band class; I generally work out of the Rubank method. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I believe in the "dichotomy" of learning at ones own natural pace, combined with the need to cover all of the rudiments required for building the firm physical and musical foundation required for brass playing. My style and approach in lessons is to be encouraging, upbeat, enthusiastic and to always emphasize the enjoyment and fun that can be attained through good "old fashioned" hard work: Gratification that comes from appying yourself is the most fun of all - especially as you realize your goals! Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Saxophone Flute Clarinet Music Keyboard

I like for a student to look at a piece of music and then to explain to me what they think it is. Their perception is different than my perception and I can learn a lot about how to teach them based on how much they may already understand or do not understand. Understanding musical concepts and musical language is important and I emphasize getting basic concepts right immediately. If a student has a misconception about something I try to correct it so they can move forward make progress. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

I help each student not only meet their goals on their instrument, but also to meet their goals in life. If a student is interested in music, I strive to help them discover their big "Why?". Why do they play their instrument, and what is their reason for making music. I believe in coach-based teaching. In other words, the student is on their journey to discover how to achieve their goals, and I am a coach to guide them on their way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Trumpet

Although most of my playing experience has been with rock bands, big bands and weddings, I have a B.A. in classical performance/music education from William Paterson University. Most of my private study has been with Dave Larson of the New Jersey Symphony and Dave Rogers, a William Paterson jazz adjunct. My classroom career beganat the Passaic County Elks' Cerebral Palsy Center in Clifton, NJ, and in2001 I moved to my present position as Elementary Music Teacher in Middlesex, NJ. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music

I have studied at Oberlin Conservatory and Rutgers State University and studied with some of the best teachers. I studied jazz trumpet for my bachelor's and Masters degrees. I moved to NYC in 2009 and have performed with artists such as Roy Hargrove, Kim Burrell, Geri Allen and Wallace Toney. I taught at the community outreach program at Rutgers State University and have been a teacher with Musika for 10 years. I also play music with my own project Wave Magnetik where I produce music using Ableton and perform by DJing while playing trumpet and singing. Read More